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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 26490, member: 2262"] The government has put journalist Blessed Mhlanga in jail, making opposition groups in Zimbabwe very angry. They say this attacks press freedom and hurt democracy. Police arrested Mhlanga on Monday. He faces two charges under Section 164 of the Criminal Law Act. He stays locked up because his bail decision was moved to Friday, February 28, 2025, at noon. The stand-in judge, Marewanazvo Gofa, explained the delay happened because Magistrate Farai Gwatima had to attend a funeral. The case against Mhlanga claims he sent messages that encouraged violence. These messages relate to statements reportedly made by Zanu PF member and war veteran Blessed Geza at press meetings on January 27 and February 11, 2025. Many people see these charges as an attempt to stop journalists from speaking freely. The Patriotic Front strongly objects to Mhlanga's jailing. TPF Secretary General Prosper Ncube called it a clear attack on press freedom. Ncube referred to French thinker Albert Camus, noting that journalism should publish truth and governments should protect it. But in Zimbabwe, he believes the government tries to hide the truth by silencing those who report it. He criticized the Zimbabwe Republic Police for targeting journalists instead of serious criminals. This approach damages democracy, according to Ncube. The TPF wants Mhlanga freed right away. They demand the government stop bothering journalists and take real steps to protect press freedom. Ncube asked other countries to speak up against Zimbabwe's actions, mentioning Nobel winner Amartya Sen, who said a free press is necessary for democracy. The Mthwakazi Republic Party also condemns the arrest. MRP spokesperson Mbonisi Gumbo said it shows how little the Zanu PF government cares about democracy and human rights. Gumbo called for Mhlanga's release and an end to harassment of journalists and opposition leaders. He asked international groups to hold the Zanu PF government responsible. Mhlanga's case adds to a pattern of targeting journalists and opposition figures in Zimbabwe. Critics say the government uses courts to frighten people into silence. Both opposition parties want international action against the Zimbabwe government's behavior. Ncube quoted Martin Luther King Jr. about injustice threatening justice everywhere. He urged global leaders to speak against how Zimbabwe treats journalists. Gumbo said MRP continues to support journalists, opposition leaders, and all people fighting for democracy and justice in Zimbabwe. [/QUOTE]

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