Holding
121. In view of the above reasoning, the African Commission: holds that the Respondent State, the Republic of Zimbabwe, has violated Articles 1, 2, 3, 7.1.a and 7.1.b, 9, 12.4 and 26 of the African Charter.
The African Commission recommends that the Respondent State should:
a. Take urgent steps to ensure court decisions are respected and implemented;
b. Rescind the deportation orders against Mr Andrew Meldrum, so that he can return to Zimbabwe, if he so wishes, being a person who had permanent residence status prior to his deportation. The status quo ante to be restored;
c. Ensure that the Supreme Court finalises the determination of the application by Mr Meldrum, on the denial of accreditation;
d. In the alternative, taking into account that the AIPPA has undergone considerable amendments, grant accreditation to Mr Andrew Meldrum, so that he can resume his right to practice journalism; and
e. Report to the African Commission within six months on the implementation of these recommendations.
Adopted during the 6 th Extra-Ordinary Session of the ACHPR, Banjul, The Gambia, April, 2009.
