In a bold move aimed at defending press freedom, detained Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) journalist Blessed Mhlanga has escalated his legal battle to the Constitutional Court.
Mhlanga challenges the legality of his arrest under the Zimbabwe Cyber and Data Protection Act (CDPA), which he argues infringes on his constitutional rights to free expression and media freedom.
Mhlanga has been held in remand prison for over a month following allegations that he broadcasted content deemed offensive to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The charges stem from a segment aired on his HStv program featuring controversial Zanu PF war veteran, Blessed Geza, who allegedly used the platform to publicly criticize Mnangagwa and call for his ousting.
The journalist’s plight has garnered attention as he faces repeated bail denials from both the Magistrates’ Court and the High Court.
Mhlanga’s legal team, led by lawyer Chris Mhike, is now seeking the apex court’s intervention, arguing that the provisions under which he was charged contradict fundamental rights enshrined in Zimbabwe’s Constitution.
According to Mhlanga, the CDPA violates Section 61, which guarantees freedom of expression and media freedom, as well as Section 62, which asserts the right to access information.
His case highlights the tension between governmental oversight and the press’s role in a democratic society.
