The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it is no longer opposing bail for Zimbabwe Independent editor Faith Zaba, following a review of her medical records.
Zaba, who has now spent two nights in custody, was arrested on charges of “undermining the authority of the president” after her newspaper published a satirical column critical of Zimbabwean leadership and SADC, calling the regional bloc a “trade union of dictators.”
Her legal team submitted medical documents during a court appearance, prompting the NPA to request time to assess them. Today, the NPA indicated it has no objection to her release on bail. The final decision now rests with the presiding magistrate.
Media freedom groups have condemned the arrest, warning it signals increasing intolerance of dissent and satire in Zimbabwe.
With Award winning journalist Hopewell Chin’ono calling for her release as she has young children at home and is unwell.
