Zimbabwe editor charged with subversion

Image
AFP Harare
Last Updated : Jun 21 2014 | 7:43 PM IST
The editor of a Zimbabwean state-owned newspaper appeared in court today on charges of subversion and undermining the authority of President Robert Mugabe.
Edmund Kudzayi, editor of the Sunday Mail, was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody until a bail hearing on Monday.
The charges against Kudzayi include calling Mugabe a tyrant and dictator, and alleging that he stole an election. These remarks were allegedly made in publications he wrote for before joining state media.
Kudzayi is also facing charges of creating a fictitious Facebook account in the name of Baba Jukwa, who has a cult following for his claims to expose Mugabe government secrets.
The Facebook account was a hit during elections last year.
Baba Jukwa accused Mugabe of rigging the vote and published cellphone numbers of prominent figures in government, asking people to call them and tell them "we know what is going on".
Kudzayi is also facing another charge of keeping ammunition in an unsafe place.
Kudzayi was appointed editor of the Sunday Mail two months ago, but has incurred the wrath of the long-ruling Mugabe.
Earlier this month, Mugabe accused his information minister, Jonathan Moyo, of using his influence over the state media to attack rivals within the ruling ZANU-PF party, which is riven by divisions over who should succeed the ageing president.
Moyo has fallen in and out of favour with Mugabe since first becoming information minister in 2002.
He was sacked in 2005 after being linked to a clandestine meeting held to discuss Mugabe's succession.
Since his recent re-appointment, Moyo has overseen the hiring of new editors at state newspapers and suspended the head of the state broadcaster.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jun 21 2014 | 7:43 PM IST

Next Story