Government Backs Off Media Control Laws

The Zimbabwean government backtracked dramatically on its sweeping media control laws, indicating that they will not be imposed immediately and may not be enforced at all, a state-run newspaper reported.

The Herald newspaper, quoting an unidentified government official, said that it will take time to fund, staff and equip the media commission and that the Department of Information will not be able to “preoccupy” itself with such a task because President Robert Mugabe started his campaign Friday.

Critics say the media bill and new security laws were aimed at stifling dissent ahead of presidential elections next month.