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- Public messages of support poured in for News24's Karyn Maughan on Monday as she appeared in court for Jacob Zuma's private prosecution against her.
- Postponed to February next year, Zuma's prosecution bid has been described as a delay tactic and a serious threat to the freedom of all journalists in South Africa.
- Maughan, who has filed an urgent application to have the case scrapped, thanked supporters for their kindness and words of encouragement online.
News24's specialist legal journalist, Karyn Maughan, received an outpouring of public support when she made her first appearance in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Monday in the private prosecution case against her.
In what has been described as an affront to media freedom in South Africa, former statesman-turned convict Jacob Zuma wants Maughan, and senior prosecutor advocate Billy Downer jailed, claiming Downer unlawfully leaked his confidential medical records to Maughan in August last year.
Maughan and Downer have each filed an urgent application against Zuma, asking the court to scrap the private prosecution altogether.
AS IT HAPPENED | Media freedom in the dock as Zuma takes News24's Karyn Maughan to court
Their applications are expected to be heard one after the other in December, while the central prosecution case has been postponed to February 2023, pending the finalisation of the other applications.
'We stand behind you'
Citizens, editors, and journalists from across the country have spoken out against Zuma's attempt at prosecuting a journalist for reporting on developments in his corruption trial.
They have rallied behind Maughan, sharing heart-warming messages of support online and emphasising the importance of media freedom in the current political climate.
"Journalism is not a crime" was one of the overarching messages echoed by South Africa's top broadcasters, commentators, and investigative journalists, proclaiming their support for Maughan and News24 following the court proceedings.
Strength to @karynmaughan you are not alone, we stand with you ????
— Natasha Marrian (@NatashaMarrian) October 10, 2022
Just a reminder that Jacob Zuma's vague "sick note" was attached to his own court papers, which are public.
— Nick Hedley (@nickhedley) October 10, 2022
The intimidation of Karyn Maughan and journalism in general is despicable.
Harassing @karynmaughan won't make the corruption, racketeering, money laundering and fraud charges go away.
— Kananelo (@kaysexwale) October 10, 2022
I stand by @karynmaughan. Journalism is not a crime.
— Jonathan Jansen (@JJ_Stellies) October 10, 2022
It doesn’t matter how many sock puppets come on here and shout about @karynmaughan being “in the dock”, and how many bots retweet it, it won’t take away from the fact that that the charge is spurious. Maybe it’s political theatre but in law it’s going nowhere.
— Franny Rabkin (@franstaar) October 10, 2022
I stand with @karynmaughan. Jacob Zuma is a mendacious and malignant bully. He failed to silence the media with draconian legislation when he had the power - he won’t succeed now. pic.twitter.com/ozIUslvd7t
— Bongani Bingwa IG/TikTok: Bonglez (@bonglez) October 10, 2022
We stand with @karynmaughan - journalism is not a crime. Not now. Not ever. ??????????????? (A former President, still on the public purse, ?? wishes to jail a journalist and a prosecutor) https://t.co/zICyVjuUV3
— Ferial Haffajee (@ferialhaffajee) October 10, 2022
"An injury to one is an injury to all," said News24's editor-in-chief, Adriaan Basson, who joined Maughan in courtroom A for her first appearance.
Basson added South Africans should not be sidetracked by Zuma's attempts at delaying his corruption trial, saying the case was about more than just defending Maughan or the news publication.
"This case is not only about Maughan or News24, but about media freedom being put on trial by a man trying to divert attention from the serious criminal charges he must still face."
Commenting on Monday's court proceedings, Basson said:
News24 subscribers have also joined the publication's editorial team in standing behind Maughan and defending media freedom.
One News24 subscriber, with the username "concerned citizen", said: "To personally attack journalists and officers of the court in this manner is a clear intimidation tactic and flies in the face of the fundamental rights enshrined in our Constitution, namely, freedom of expression and the rule of law. So sad to see this nonsense taking up the mental space of these people."
READ | EXPLAINER | Zuma vs Downer and Maughan: Everything you need to know
In response to the charges against Maughan, another subscriber commented: "Thank you for your commitment to reporting fearlessly [so] that the SA public are kept informed of developments in the political sphere. Your revised and insightful reporting is valued by many. We are behind you in supporting your commitment to keep SA citizens reliably informed. Be fearless as difficult as it may be as you are a true professional."
"Rather sad that journalism is being persecuted the way that it is, while corrupt and evil people go free," said another user.
Maughan has thanked her supporters for their kindness and words of encouragement online.
She tweeted: "You will never know how much your kindness, support, love and encouragement means to me. Thank you."
