June 17, 2004

His Excellency, Gabriel Mharadze Machinga
High Commissioner
High Commission of the Republic of Zimbabwe
332 Somerset St. West
Ottawa, ON K2P 0J9

Excellency,

I am writing on behalf of Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), a non-profit, non-governmental organization that works to promote and protect press freedom and freedom of expression around the world.

CJFE wishes to express its concern over the closing of the media house Africa Tribune Newspapers, and their weekly newspaper The Tribune, on June 10, 2004.

Media and Information Commission Chairperson Tafataona Mahoso, who instigated the license suspension, said that The Tribune was violating Section 67 of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA). According to Mahoso, The Tribune neglected to inform the Commission of a change in ownership and frequency of publication and employed a journalist who was not accredited by the state.

These allegations were denied by the publishers of The Tribune who say they informed the Commission of these changes in May and that the journalist without accreditation was not employed by the newspaper, rather was hired as a consultant by the previous owners. The publishers also believe that this action against them was politically motivated as the newspaper and its owners have been critical of the government.

This crackdown on the last vestiges of independent media in Zimbabwe shows a dangerous disregard for the rights of the free press. We ask that The Tribune's license be reinstated and that the sections of the AIPPA that allow for political interference with the media be repealed. Furthermore, we urge the government to ensure that all media are allowed to operate freely without undue restrictions.

I look forward to receiving your prompt reply.

Yours truly,

Arnold Amber
President

Case file number: PL-O412