Source: Mail & Guardian
Original article URL
by: MacDonald Dzirutwe
Evan Mawarire, the man behind the #ThisFlag protests, has been charged under Section 36 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act of Zimbabwe.
A Zimbabwean preacher leading anti-government protests said he had been ordered to report to the police on Tuesday, stoking tensions on the eve of more demonstrations over the state of the economy.
Pastor Evan has now arrived at Harare Central, in the company of his lawyers. (pics @ThisFlag1980) #ThisFlag pic.twitter.com/Ry0AyoKQaT
— Zim Media Review (@ZimMediaReview) July 12, 2016
Baptist minister Evan Mawarire – who has issued a series of online video statements tapping into mounting public anger over corruption, high unemployment and other economic woes – said no one had told him the reasons for the order.
Mawarire said the police criminal investigations department in Harare had called him on Monday evening, telling him to go to the city’s central station. “I will be going there because we have not broken any law,” he told Reuters.
Police spokeswoman Charity Charamba said she had no details about the issue and could not immediately comment.
Mawarire called a one day shut-down last week that closed businesses across the Southern African nation, the biggest strike action since 2005.
More protests were planned for Wednesday and Thursday as part of his #ThisFlag movement – a reference to a reflection on the colours of the national flag during one of his talks.
Zimbabweans’s use of the internet in recent weeks to mobilise for street protests has bypassed traditional opposition parties.
Last Friday police summoned and arrested Prosper Mkwananzi, spokesman for social media group Tajamuka (We refuse) on charges of public violence. Mkwananzi was freed on $300 bail on Monday.
Mugabe, Africa’s oldest leader at 92, has led the former British colony since independence in 1980. – Reuters.
Note: In terms of section 61(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, every person has the right to freedom of expression, which includes the freedom to seek, receive and communicate ideas and other information. Mawarire has been charged under Section 36 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act of Zimbabwe.
Pastor Evan Mawarire is being charged with section 36 for inciting public violence and disturbing peace. #ThisFlag pic.twitter.com/peCIdIF8Iu
— #ThisFlag 🇿🇼 (@ThisFlag1980) July 12, 2016
Sec 58 of the Zim Const: "Every person has the right to demonstrate & 2 present petitions, but these rights must be exercised peacefully"
— David Coltart (@DavidColtart) July 12, 2016
Source: Mail & Guardian