Zimbabwe to repeal draconian media law

Journalist protest stifling of media freedom in Tanzania in 2008. Zimbabwe plans to repeal a draconian media law. PHOTO | NMG

Zimbabwe plans to repeal a draconian media law that was used by former strongman Robert Mugabe’s government to deport foreign journalists and shut down critical local media organisations.

The Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) was enacted in 2002 at a time president Mugabe was under pressure from Western countries over human rights violations.