Zimbabwe: Prominent Journalist Arrested

Zimbabwean police have arrested outspoken journalist, Hopewell Chin’ono, after he exposed alleged government corruption.

Chin’ono is well known for criticising the administration of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and often posts about lawbreaking officials on social media platform, Twitter.

The award-winning journalist recently claimed that the southern African country’s health ministry was involved in a $60-million misappropriation of coronavirus supplies, which eventually ended in the arrest and firing of former health minister, Obadiah Moyo, last month.

On Monday, 20 July, just as eight police officers smashed down his front door to take him in, Chin’ono live-tweeted: “They are breaking into my home. Alert the world!”

He had over 163 000 followers on his account before it was suspended. In the past, he also encouraged his fellow citizens to speak up against wrongdoings of officials.

The arrest has drawn condemnation from across the globe.

The European Union embassy in Harare criticised the move: “Journalism is not a crime, but a crucial pillar of any democratic society [and] of the fight against corruption. Journalists and freedom of expression deserve protection.”

Mr Chin’ono is currently in custody on charges of “inciting violence”.