The Parliament of Zimbabwe is demanding Police clearance letters from journalists who want to be accredited to cover the 2016 parliament business.
In a statement Wednesday Parliament of Zimbabwe’s Principal Public Relations Officer Tanyaradzwa Linda Manyemba said journalists should undergo police vetting before being accredited.
Journalists have condemned this new accreditation requirement saying it is meant to restrict independent and freelance journalists from accessing parliament.
Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda could not be reached for comment.
Below was the full statement by Parliament Wednesday.
Parliament is inviting all interested journalists who will want to cover parliament business during the year 2016 to come for accreditation at Pax House Public Relations Department 3rd Floor, Office No. 4
The requirements for accreditation are as follows;
1. Copy of your ID / Valid passport
2. 2 driver’s licence size photos
3. Copy of Media commission card
4. Finger prints, forms cleared by Zimbabwe Republic Police
5. Supporting letter from your organisation
Please also bring the original I.D card and media commission card.
Parliament of Zimbabwe
P.O. Box CY 298
Causeway
Harare
04-252936-54 / 700181-9