The United States Embassy in Zimbabwe has condemned the arrest and denial of bail of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) journalist Blessed Mhlanga, calling on Harare authorities to uphold the fundamental right to press freedom.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, the U.S. Embassy said that all journalists should be granted constitutional protections, including the right to bail and freedom of speech. The embassy said:
Constitutional rights to bail and free speech, should apply to all journalists.
Mhlanga was arrested on Monday for allegedly sharing information that could incite violence or damage property. He is facing charges under Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
On Friday, a Harare magistrate, Farai Gwitima, denied Mhlanga bail, saying he might interfere with witnesses and harm the investigation.
The charges against Mhlanga are related to interviews he reportedly had with Blessed Geza, a war veteran from the ruling ZANU PF party, who opposes President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 2030 agenda.
The police are searching for Geza to answer charges of incitement, undermining the President’s authority, and theft.
Geza has publicly called for Mnangagwa to resign, accusing him of corruption, poor leadership, favouritism, and rewarding friends and family.