Media has 'massacred' Zuma
2006-02-19 13:31
Johannesburg - The media had "massacred" axed deputy president Jacob Zuma, the SA Communist Party (SACP) said on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters in Johannesburg, SACP general secretary Blade Nzimande said the manner in which the Zuma rape case was being handled by the media had "set a bad precedent".
"The media has massacred comrade Jacob Zuma by trying him in public and finding him guilty before he even appeared in court," Nzimande said.
"It has also set a bad precedent especially with regard to the principle of innocence until proven guilty."
The SACP said "reckless" abuse of the rights of Zuma and his accused should not be allowed.
The party said the abuse had emanated, not least, from sections of the media.
Nzimande said the principle of innocent until proven guilty had been violated in a manner that could undermine the rule of law in this country.
- SAPA