*ARTUZ is outraged by the incarceration of Blessed Mhlanga , an accredited journalist working with HStv* Blessed is accused of contravening section 164 of the Criminal Law, (codification and reform) Act. Transmitting data that is harmful to the State’s interests and potentially incite public violence. The state alleges that Blessed disseminated a statement in which a known war veteran, Blessed Geza declares that Mnangagwa has failed and must step down. In another statement the same Geza warns Mutamba, the Police Commissioner, against victimization of ordinary citizens. The Union notes that the dissemination of information by journalists is their job and is protected by both sections 61 and 62 of our constitution. The said sections protect media freedoms and access to information. Blessed Mhlanga also has a right to choose journalism as a profession in line with section 64 of the Constitution. Section 65 further guarantees Mhlanga the right to a safe working environment. Unfortunately the Zimbabwean State has chosen to trample on Mhlanga’s rights and in the process tarnish the image of Zimbabwe. In short the Zimbabwean State has criminalized journalism. In line with our 5th programming pillar of standing in solidarity with all oppressed people and pillar 3 of defending democracy, we do hereby declare that we will confront the Zimbabwean state demanding the unconditional release of Mhlanga. The media is our last line of defense against the excesses of tyrants. It is the media that exposed the abduction and torture of our leaders. It is the media that exposed the unfair dismissal of our members and other unfair labour practices. The media gives us a voice. We can’t imagine a Zimbabwe where State media is the only media. We call upon Zimbabweans from all walks of life to throng the Magistrates Courts on 27 February 2025 for the bail ruling on this case. Hands off our Journalists! *Knowledge Is Power That Is Best Shared. Please share and follow our Citizens Movement Radio Channel using the link below* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VafxZGK8F2pNHgZGUP1B