Zimbabwe Convicts Journalist For Violating Immigration Law

The government of Zimbabwe has convicted freelance journalist Jeffrey Moyo for violating immigration laws.

He was accused of helping two New York Times journalists enter the country using fake credentials.

Moyo was fined $650 (£540) and given a two-year suspended sentence.

Press Cards
The magistrate found that he may have connived to obtain bogus press cards for the two journalists who were later deported.

Moyo had argued that he had obtained the cards from an official at the Media Commission, which is responsible for accrediting journalists.

The official, Thabang Manhika, was acquitted in March in a separate trial.

Moyo’s lawyers expressed disappointment in Tuesday’s verdict and will appeal the conviction.

The Committee to Protect Journalists has described the conviction as “a monumental travesty of justice.”

It had previously described the case as an attempt to intimidate journalists.

Journalists require state approval to practice in Zimbabwe.

BBC/Christopher Ojilere