Media, Information and Publicity Deputy Minister Jameson Timba has criticised Zimbabwean media laws for limiting press freedom and freedom of expression.

In his Press Freedom Day message on Saturday in Bulawayo, Timba called for repealing for various pieces of laws such as Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AAIPA), Broadcasting Services Act, Official Secrets Act, Interception of Communication Act and the Criminal Codification Act.

The World marks Press Freedom Day on 3 May annually as media practitioners and other various stakeholders take time to reflect on issues affecting the media.

“… i do not agree with any law that limits freedom of expression…Some of the pieces of legislation were used to close down newspapers and to deny the opening up of others leading to high levels of unemployment in our media industry and affecting the lives of many journalists and those that depend on them. These laws unfortunately are also still being used to arrest journalists in the course of conducting their work,” said Timba.

He said the process to establish the Media Commission was underway with the Standing Rules and Orders Committee of Parliament scouting for names of persons to be appointed.

Timba also urged the inclusive government to open up airwaves to allow more radio and stations.

Source:   Zimeye