The trial of seven directors of the independent Zimbabwean radio station Voice of the People (VOP), which broadcasts into the country via the Radio Netherlands Madgascar relay station, has been delayed again. A key witness for the prosecution failed to turn up at the court in Harare today. Prosecutor Justin Uladi said an expert from the government broadcasting authority who was due to give evidence at the start of the trial was in Switzerland on business.
The Lawyer representing the VOP directors, Beatrice Mtetwa, protested at the delay questioning why the witness had travelled overseas when he knew he was expected to attend the trial. “This is unacceptable,” Mtetwa told the court. “Since January the prosecution has been telling us and even yesterday they said they are ready for trial and we keep getting these postponements.”
The seven VOP directors were arrested in December and January and briefly detained at Harare’s main police station, accused of possession and operation of transmission equipment without a licence. They are now due to stand trial beginning on September 25.
(Source: Independent Online/R. Netherlands Media Network Weblog)
The Zimbabwean opposition station, financed by the Soros Foundation, the USIA Zimbabwe Forum and the Dutch Foundation HIVOS. Radio VOP, began broadcasting in June 2000, 10 days before the Zimbabwean parliamentary elections held on the 24th and 25th of June. The station continues to promote peace in the ongoing troubled political times with hopes of building a democratic society.
Relay via: Radio Netherlands, Madagascar relay station, transmitting on 7120, 7190 kHz, 1800-1900 (UTC). Identifications as: "this is Radio Voice of the People" and "this is Radio VOP-Zimbabwe's alternative voice." Correspondence may be directed to:
P.O. Box 5750
Harare, Zimbabwe
Web: www.vopradio.co.zw/
Email Report: voxpozim@yahoo.com.uk
