Zimbabwe amends media and security laws

The government of Zimbabwe will be amending its tough security and media laws in response to opposition demands.



The existing laws have been used to block opposition political rallies and to shut down the private press.



The amendments will mean, the police must give reasons to ban a rally and a magistrate can be asked to overturn a ban.



The revisions were agreed during talks between South African President Thabo Mbeki, the ruling party and the two opposition parties.



The Public Order and Security Act, the Access to Information and the Protection of Privacy Act and the Broadcasting Services Act will also be amended.