- Zimbabwean journalists faced harassment and violence while covering public hearings in Harare.
- The hearings, held from March 31 to April 2, were to discuss the Constitutional Amendment (No.3) Bill.
- The proposed bill seeks to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term from five to seven years and shift presidential elections to lawmakers.
- Alleged supporters of the ruling ZANU-PF stormed the venue, trapping journalists and demanding deletion of footage.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Zimbabwean authorities to immediately investigate the incidents of harassment against journalists. Reporters were reportedly forced to delete footage of attacks on opposition figures and civil society members during the chaotic proceedings at the City Sports Center. The Media Institute for Southern Africa-Zimbabwe also called for journalists to be allowed to perform their duties without obstruction.
The bill, if passed, could potentially keep President Mnangagwa in power until 2030, raising significant concerns about democratic processes and press freedom in the country. The incidents highlight a worrying trend of attempts to censor news coverage and control public information regarding critical political developments.
Timeline
- **March 31, 2026:** Public hearings for Constitutional Amendment (No.3) Bill begin in Harare.
- **March 31, 2026:** Alleged ZANU-PF supporters storm City Sports Center, trapping and harassing journalists.
- **April 2, 2026:** Public hearings conclude.
- **April 3, 2026:** Committee to Protect Journalists calls for urgent investigation into harassment.
Key Players
- **President Emmerson Mnangagwa:** Zimbabwean President whose term the Constitutional Amendment (No.3) Bill seeks to extend.
- **Zimbabwean Parliament:** Hosted the public hearings for the controversial bill.
- **ZANU-PF Supporters (Alleged):** Accused of storming the venue and harassing journalists.
- **Zimbabwean Journalists:** Targeted during the hearings, forced to delete footage.
- **Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ):** International body calling for investigation and accountability.
