A NY Times freelancer is on trial in Zimbabwe

A journalist for The New York Times is on trial in Zimbabwe for allegedly helping two newspaper reporters enter the country illegally. These charges are seen as yet another attempt to control the media by the government.

Doug Coltart, a human rights lawyer representing Jeffrey Moyo, is optimistic that his client will be acquitted.

Mboyo and a Zimbabwe Media Commission official, Thabang Manhika, were arrested for processing false accreditations for two journalists from the New York Times based in South Africa who entered Zimbabwe and were later deported. 

The government of Zimbabwe has rejected accusations that it disregards media freedoms and rights. 

Dean Baquet, the executive editor of the New York Times, said, "We are deeply troubled by the prosecution of Jeffrey Moyo, which appears to chill press freedom in Zimbabwe. Jeffrey is a widely respected journalist with many years of reporting experience in Zimbabwe.”

Zimbabwe's chief justice, Luke Malaba, told journalists this week that all cases will be treated fairly.

"Efficiency means doing the best with the least amount of resources available. It is a legal requirement that is imposed on the courts. Section 164 of the Constitution requires the courts to apply the law expeditiously without fear, favor, or prejudice," Malaba said.

* This article contains information sourced from VOA.