V. Continuing Media Freedom Violations With ZANU-PF still holding the balance of power, the power-sharing government continues to use an arsenal of repressive legislation and unlawful tactics to restrict the right to freedom of expression, keep continual pressure on the media, and harass and punish critical journalists. It has not reformed media-related laws, as promised, and, through senior officials aligned to ZANU-PF and partisan state security agents, is blocking free expression. As a result, scores of journalists are effectively unable to report on significant political and economic developments in the country, depriving Zimbabweans of independent sources of information. Instead, state-controlled print and electronic media only dispense ZANU-PFapproved messages to the general population. Because of the atmosphere of intimidation, journalists and media outlets have resorted to self-censorship as a survival strategy.20 One local journalist told Human Rights Watch: From time to time I receive very revealing stories from my contacts in the military about human rights abuses, torture, and power struggles among senior officials. But I am [concerned] for my safety and that of my family, I cannot report on those stories. I know of several of my colleagues with similar stories that are just too hot to publish.21 The following cases below show how in the past year the power-sharing government and security forces have undermined media freedoms and betrayed promises to implement human rights reforms. Arbitrary Arrests and Harassment of Journalists Journalists routinely face arrest in Zimbabwe for allegedly violating the state’s repressive media laws. Since early 2010, for example, freelance photojournalist Anderson Shadreck Manyere has been harassed, arbitrarily arrested, and detained three times.22 20 Human Rights Watch interview with journalists P.Z., D.Z., M.C., and S.M., Harare, February 13, 2010; with freelance journalist Frank Chikowore, Harare, February 7, 2010; and with freelance photojournalist Anderson Shadreck Manyere, Harare, February 4, 2010. 21 Human Rights Watch interview with journalist C.B., Harare, February 6, 2010. 22 Human Rights Watch interview with Anderson Shadreck Manyere, February 4, 2010. See also “Peace Watch 3/2010,” Veritas, March 11, 2010, on file with Human Rights Watch. 11 Human Rights Watch | April 2010