Africa News Summary : News Headlines : Discussion Forums

Wednesday, January 30, 2002 - Web posted at 3:29:01 pm GMT

HARARE - A dozen riot police broke up a protest by about 40 journalists Wednesday outside Zimbabwe's parliament, where lawmakers are due to debate a restrictive new media bill.

The journalists from private and foreign media marched around the block where the parliament buildings sit, carrying placards that read, "We will not register to write the truth," and "The minister has too much power already. Why give him more?"

The marchers stopped across the street from the entrance to parliamen

After about 30 minutes, a truckload of riot police carrying truncheons chased the journalists away.

Journalists in Zimbabwe have already sent a petition to parliament arguing against the bill, and have vowed to challenge it in court if it becomes law.

The bill would bar foreign journalists from working permanently in Zimbabwe and would give the information minister sweeping powers to decide which journalists or media groups allowed to operate in the country.

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has already muscled through parliament a tough new security bill that gives police broad powers to break up protests and political meetings, while outlawing criticism of the president.

The opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), which poses a serious challenge to Mugabe in the March 9-10 presidential election, says Mugabe is pushing new laws through in a bid to ensure he is re-elected. Nampa-Sapa-AFP

•  Big Brother Africa 3: Morris does a Lazarus! He's alive, he is too!!
•  Morris does a Lazarus! He's alive, he is too!!
•  Big Brother Africa 3: Housemates get racy, Olympics vibe up house