7 February 2006
On this Day: Acting President Joice Mujuru has signed into law, a despotic General Laws Amendment Act (GLAA), which recommends a jail term for any journalist who insults the president or communicates falsehoods. The provisions are part of the Public Order and Security Act (POSA). The GLAA amends 22 sections of POSA, as well as several other acts. Mujuru signed the law on February 3 according to a notice published in the latest “Government Gazette.”
The amendments increase the fine imposed under Section 16 of POSA from Z$20,000 to Z$2 million. The penalty may also entail one year imprisonment, either as an alternative or supplement to the fine. Section 16 deals with the “publication of false statements that will engender feelings of hostility towards – or cause hatred, contempt or ridicule of – the President or Acting President.” Those convicted under Section 15 of POSA, which deals with “the publishing or communication of statements prejudicial to the state”, will now be liable to a fine of Z$10 million – up from Z$100,000 – or five years’ imprisonment, or both.
Section 15 also covers the “publishing of statements likely to promote or incite public disorder or adversely affect the security or economic interests of Zimbabwe.” Under the new amendments, “causing
disaffection among the police force or defense forces” will be punishable by a fine not exceeding Z$4 million while “unauthorized public gatherings for the purposes of rioting or causing disorder” will be punishable by a fine of up to Z$10 million. The proposed amendments will not alter the prison terms previously stipulated by POSA. – Zim Daily
Dandaro Online, Zimbabwe Today In History
