Media News - Monday, June 18, 2007

Zimbabwe: Parliament’s lower house approves bill for intercepting communications

Reporters Without Borders voiced concern about the Zimbabwean House of Assembly’s approval on 13 June of a draft law that would allow the government to intercept mail, phone calls and email without having to seek a court order. The government submitted a similar bill to parliament last year but withdrew it after complaints from national and international organisations. “This bill is evidence that the government is determined to have strict control over information,” the press freedom organisation said. “The fight against terrorism is constantly used by oppressive regimes as a pretext for cracking down on freedoms. We appeal to the senate, which is due to consider the bill soon, to reject it.” If adopted, the law will expose journalists, NGOs and human rights activists to the possibility - a real one in Zimbabwe - of being accused of representing a threat to national security. (Reporters Without Borders)

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