afrol News, 18 January - The state-controlled media regulatory body [Media and Information Commission (MIC)] in Zimbabwe has invited the country's banned newspaper, Daily News, to apply for registration.

Owned by Associated Newspapers of Zimbabwe, The Daily News and its sister publication, Sunday Daily News, were banned in 2003 after they were accused of breaching media registration laws of the country.

The Chairperson of MIC, Chinondidyachii Mararike, said the paper's publishers' application would be handled "in a fair and just manner."

"We want to encourage anybody and everybody to come and register as a mass media house within the confines of the laws, regulations and procedures," Marike told the state media.

Mararike replaced Tafataona Mahoso to become the Chairperson of MIC. Mahoso was deposed after a judge ruled that he was "politically compromised."
At the time of its closure, Daily News was not only an alternative voice but also the best selling newspaper in the country. It sold 150,000 copies.

The media commission had on two occasions refused honour a Supreme Court ruling to grant license to the banned paper.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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