Zimbabwean First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa faces protests during her June trip to Britain. Rights activists plan demonstrations outside her speaking event at the First Ladies summit. UK lawmakers will ask her about jailed journalist Blessed Mhlanga. Lord Johnny Oates raised concerns about her visit on Wednesday to Parliament.
Lord Oates told the House of Lords that Mhlanga spent 59 days behind bars without bail. His arrest came after interviewing someone who criticized President Mnangagwa. The critic exposed alleged corruption among the president's family members. Media workers suffer regular threats, detention, and sometimes murder in Zimbabwe. The country remains kicked out of the Commonwealth group of nations.
British leaders say normal relations with Zimbabwe cannot resume until the government stops detaining reporters. The debate started when Baroness Mobarik asked what Britain does to protect journalists worldwide. Lord Oates urged all lawmakers meeting the First Lady to challenge her about her husband's government. He called Zimbabwe a country close to his heart but criticized its poor record on press freedom.
Lord Oates told the House of Lords that Mhlanga spent 59 days behind bars without bail. His arrest came after interviewing someone who criticized President Mnangagwa. The critic exposed alleged corruption among the president's family members. Media workers suffer regular threats, detention, and sometimes murder in Zimbabwe. The country remains kicked out of the Commonwealth group of nations.
British leaders say normal relations with Zimbabwe cannot resume until the government stops detaining reporters. The debate started when Baroness Mobarik asked what Britain does to protect journalists worldwide. Lord Oates urged all lawmakers meeting the First Lady to challenge her about her husband's government. He called Zimbabwe a country close to his heart but criticized its poor record on press freedom.
