Zimbabwe journalists hit by harsh media laws

Foreign correspondents in Zimbabwe are having to fulfil bizarre conditions before being given accreditation under President Robert Mugabe's draconian media laws.

Tafataona Mahoso, the chairman of a government- appointed media commission, wrote to journalists recently to say that before they could get licences, the correspondents must "demonstrate professional authority" based on academic knowledge, or "originality and having an acute sense of what is significant or profound in a situation or event".

Other criteria include the "publication of ground-breaking books, a long and consistent record of accuracy, integrity, diligence and respect for sources and readers" and proof that they are "first providers of the first draft of history ... not fly-by-night mercenaries". Mr Mahoso, a staunch Mugabe supporter, also said the correspondents must "demonstrate excellence consistent with the role of a national correspondent educating other nations about our nation".

At least 25 Zimbabwean journalists working in the private media have been denied accreditation because their newspapers have refused to register with the commission.

Luke Tambolenyoka, a spokesman for the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists, said the commission had refused to accredit journalists on The Daily News, Zimbabwe's only privately owned newspaper, and the Financial Gazette because the two publications, both critical of the government, had refused to register. The Daily News has challenged the requirements in court.

Mr Tambolenyoka also said five provincial newspapers had failed to raise the Z$500,000 (about £5,700) registration fee and had shut down.