Media watchdog Reporters sans Frontières (RSF) on Monday slammed Zimbabwe for passing a controversial law allowing the government to monitor phone calls, faxes and emails.
“Zimbabwe had already given itself one of the world’s most repressive legislative arsenals as regards press freedom. Now all forms of communication have been placed under surveillance,” the Paris-based body said in a statement.
“RSF regrets that the Interception of Communications Act was finally signed into law by President Robert Mugabe on August 3. The promulgation of this law is further evidence of Mugabe’s desire to keep news and information under close control.”
The law provides for the setting up of an interception centre to listen into telephone conversations, open mail and intercept emails and faxes.
The law also compels internet service providers to install equipment to facilitate interception “at all times or when so required” and ensure that its equipment allows full-time monitoring of communications.
“A service provider who fails to give assistance in terms of this section shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine … or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years or to both,” reads part of the new law.
The law came under a barrage of criticism while it was still being debated, with media groups saying it was a major step backwards.
The government in Harare defended the new law saying it was necessary to protect the country from international terrorism and espionage. — AFP