Journalists Demand Access to Zimbabwean Courts Amid E-System Complaints
Zimbabwean journalists are demanding access to the country’s courts as complaints arise regarding the newly introduced Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS). The e-system, designed to facilitate the digital handling of court cases, has made it difficult for journalists to access courtrooms and documents, especially at the High Court.
Desmond Chingarande, a senior journalist employed by Alpha Media Holdings, has expressed his concerns by writing a letter to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) through his lawyer, Dr. Innocent Maja. Chingarande argues that the digital system restricts access only to the parties involved in a dispute and court officials, excluding journalists.
In September, the JSC informed stakeholders that all litigation in superior courts would be conducted on the IECMS platform. However, Chingarande highlights that accredited journalists are now prohibited from accessing the system and are unable to attend virtual hearings or trials to report on proceedings. He emphasizes that the media’s ability to cover court proceedings and access court documents is a fundamental aspect of the right to a fair, public hearing and trial, as outlined in section 69(1) and (2) of the Constitution.
Chingarande has given the JSC until October 6, 2023, to respond to his concerns. He urges the commission to provide accredited journalists with iecms accounts or links to the IECMS platform, enabling them to follow court proceedings and request access to filed court documents. Additionally, Chingarande suggests live-streaming court hearings on accessible streaming sites as an alternative.
The journalist argues that court hearings, documents, and proceedings are inherently public unless there are substantial reasons to restrict access. He asserts his journalistic privilege to gather, receive, and disseminate information, which is protected under section 64 of the Constitution. Chingarande believes that the current limitations imposed by the JSC’s digital platform violate his right to practice his profession as a court journalist.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the JSC will address these concerns and ensure that journalists are granted the necessary access to court proceedings and documents. The demand for transparency and media coverage in Zimbabwe’s judicial system underscores the importance of upholding the right to a fair and public hearing.
