On 24 February, journalist Blessed Mhlanga was arrested and charged with ‘transmitting data messages that incite violence or damage to property’. Prior to his arrest, he had interviewed a war veteran and senior member of the ruling Zanu-PF party, who criticized President Mnangagwa. The authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Blessed Mhlanga as he is detained solely for the peaceful exercise of his human rights. Authorities must drop all the charges against him. Blessed Mhlanga’s detention is arbitrary and in contravention of Zimbabwe’s constitutional and international obligations to respect and uphold the right of everyone to freedom of expression and press freedom.
