In August 2020, the OMCT in the framework of ProtectDefenders.eu allocated a grant to Godfrey Mtimba, a journalist from Masvingo and Vice-President of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ), which promotes the access to information, freedom of expression, press freedom and media law reforms. Thanks to the grant allocated by the OMCT, Godfrey Mtimba was able to relocate to a safer place and to receive medical and psychosocial support.
On June 29, 2020, Godfrey Mtimba was arrested after he had taken pictures of police officers chasing opposition youth activists a few days before. Following his arrest, Mr. Mtimba was charged with insulting and undermining the authority of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. He was detained at Masvingo police station for around eight hours, during which he was subjected to acts of torture. After his release, Mr. Mtimba continued to be subjected to acts of harassment, threats via anonymous phone calls, and to be under surveillance at his home, which has in turn led to a deterioration of his psychological well-being.
