Zimbabwean journalists arrested for defamation

A journalists’ group says police arrested the editor and a reporter from an independent daily newspaper on allegations of criminal defamation involving a government minister loyal to Zimbabwe’s president.

The Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe says police raided the Daily News on Friday and arrested the journalists on claims they defamed President Robert Mugabe’s local government minister in a report saying he had boasted about a business and property empire he amassed while in office.

Last month, two journalists from the weekly Standard were arrested on criminal defamation charges.

Ruffled feathers
Meanwhile, the Nando’s chain of chicken restaurants cancelled an advertisement this week featuring Mugabe, after threats of violence against the company’s Zimbabwe management.

“We’ve noted with concern the political reaction emanating out of Zimbabwe, including perceived threats against Nando’s Zimbabwe’s management, staff and customers,” the company said in a statement.

Nando’s: Last dictator standing

On Tuesday, a militant youth group loyal to Mugabe called for a boycott of Nando’s because of the ad.

Nando’s SA said it took these threats very seriously and would no longer flight the TV commercial as part of its festive season campaign. - Sapa-AP, Sapa