Zimbabwe cited as Africa’s biggest press freedom violator during The Coronavirus pandemic

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have raised concerns about press freedom in Africa with a special focus on Zimbabwe. According to the organisation, so far five reporters have been arrested whilst covering the Coronavirus lockdown in Zimbabwe.

Arnaud Froger, the head of RSF’s Africa desk, has stated that ‘Ever since the start of the epidemic, Zimbabwe has been at the forefront of those African countries that are restricting the freedom to inform in an arbitrary and extremely disproportionate manner’.  Froger further stated that arresting journalists does not stop the pandemic, it also contradicts the presidential directives authorising journalists to work during the lockdown.