JournalismPakistan.com | Published November 05, 2017
Join our WhatsApp channel
HARARE - A 25-year-old American journalist charged with attempting to overthrow Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, on account of an alleged tweet that described the aging leader as "selfish and sick", was remanded in custody Saturday after denying the accusations.
Martha O'Donovan, who appeared in court in the capital Harare, was charged with subversion as well as undermining or insulting Mugabe, now 93.
The arrest of O'Donovan and the seizure of her laptop in a dawn raid at her apartment Friday came just weeks after the government appointed a cyber-security minister tasked with policing social media.
Prosecutors said that on October 11, O'Donovan posted a message on Twitter under username "@matigary" which said: "We are being led by a selfish and sick man". The tweet was illustrated with a photo showing the Zimbabwean president with a catheter device.
"Our client is vehemently denying both charges," her lawyer Obey Shava told AFP, adding that O'Donovan would apply for bail Monday at the High Court.
O'Donovan works for Harare-based Magamba TV, which describes itself as a leading producer of cutting-edge political satire and comedy. Its content goes out on YouTube.
Human rights lawyers on Friday had said the arrest was linked to a retweet which did not mention Mugabe by name but referred to a "goblin whose wife and step-son bought a Rolls-Royce".
Mugabe's stepson with his wife and first-lady Grace is thought to have recently imported two British-built Rolls-Royce vehicles, according to local media reports.
But a charge sheet read in court on Saturday referred to the different post on Twitter that specifically mentioned Mugabe.
The US embassy said Friday that it had been in contact with O'Donovan and her legal counsel.
The cyber-security ministry was created in Mugabe's latest cabinet reshuffle last month which also saw his deputy Emmerson Mnangagwa being stripped of his justice portfolio.
The new ministry is seen by rights groups as an attempt to clamp down on social media in the run-up to next year's election.
"Some use the internet to fight us and implement what they say is regime change," Mugabe said on Saturday while commissioning a community information center in the southern city of Bulawayo while O'Donovan was appearing in court.
Mugabe has already been named by his ruling Zanu-PF party as its presidential candidate for the 2018 poll. - AFP
October 10, 2024: The Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan (DigiMAP) strongly condemns the inclusion of senior journalists on NACTA's Schedule IV list and calls for the immediate release of Ehsan Naseem, arrested after interviewing Manzoor Pashteen. DigiMAP demands respect for press freedom and journalist rights.
October 09, 2024: Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists slams PEMRA for issuing notices to TV channels over Karachi attack coverage, calling it pressure tactics and demanding immediate withdrawal.
October 08, 2024: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemns the closure of Daily 92's Islamabad office, which has caused widespread unemployment among journalists and media workers. PFUJ calls for the immediate reversal of the decision, criticizing management for irresponsible actions during economic hardship.
October 07, 2024: Geo News anchors criticize Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif for using the banned platform X to address the Karachi attack. Their remarks spark debate over the government’s selective use of banned social media. Read more about the ongoing legal case challenging the X ban.
October 06, 2024: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemns violence against journalists during a PTI protest and demands the immediate release of Faizan Hussain, a senior journalist detained by the government.
October 03, 2024: Veteran journalists condemn threats made by TLP leader Anas Rizvi against senior journalist Azaz Syed, urging the government to take immediate action to ensure his safety and protect press freedom.
September 30, 2024: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned an attack on journalists in Karachi by religious party workers, calling for an FIR and immediate arrests of the perpetrators.
September 30, 2024: Dr. Sadia Kamal has made history by becoming the first female president of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ-Workers), a significant milestone for her career and Pakistani journalism. Learn about her exceptional journey, years of service, leadership in various media roles, and dedication to ethical journalism.
October 09, 2024 The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the release of Kashmiri journalist Sajad Gul on bail after over two years of arbitrary detention. CPJ urges Jammu and Kashmir authorities to end the prosecution of Gul and allow media freedom in the region.
October 08, 2024 Mid-career journalists from the U.S. and abroad can apply for the Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowship at the University of Michigan. This prestigious fellowship offers a year of academic study with a stipend of US$85,000.
October 06, 2024 The International Labour Organization (ILO) invites journalists to participate in its 10th Global Media Competition, aiming to promote fair and balanced reporting on labor migration. Join the initiative to highlight the positive contributions of migrant workers and combat discrimination.
October 06, 2024 Explore how Thailand's media covers pressing environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, and conservation efforts. This article examines the role of journalism in raising awareness and fostering public engagement on critical environmental issues.
October 06, 2024 Discover the essential techniques and tips for conducting successful sports interviews. This article explores how to engage athletes and ask the right questions to deliver compelling stories.