In a shocking turn of events, eight opposition activists were denied bail and remanded in custody for participating in a peaceful protest. Because, you know, freedom of expression is totally a thing in Zimbabwe. The group, led by opposition councilors Phillion Mawere and Parerenyatwa Nyika, was arrested for staging an “illegal” demonstration, which is code for “they didn’t agree with the government.”

The eight activists, including one woman with a three-month-old baby, were charged with participating in a protest called for by war veteran Blessed Geza, who’s currently on the run. Because, apparently, Geza’s social media posts are so powerful that they can incite violence and undermine the authority of the President. What a coincidence that Geza used to be a Zanu-PF central committee member.

The court’s reasoning for denying bail? The convener of the protest is still at large, and it’s uncertain whether he’ll call for another protest. So, basically, the eight activists are being punished for someone else’s potential future actions. Sounds like a solid legal argument.

The Accused include – Phillion Mawere (51): Gweru City Council Ward 16 councilor
– Parerenyatwa Nyika (44): Vungu Rural District Council Ward 5 councilor
– Victor Changa (43): Mkoba North constituency resident
– Movern Vurayayi (27): Young activist and Mkoba North resident
– Wellington Chirozva (35): Another Mkoba North resident with a passion for protesting
– Jamson Mugwisi (58): Elder statesman and activist
– Sue Kombora (31): Mother of a three-month-old baby, currently in custody
– Mitchell Nyathi: Latest addition to Zimbabwe’s growing list of political prisoners

The Human Rights Watch report highlights a concerning trend of repression of civil and political rights in Zimbabwe ahead of the August 2023 election. The report notes that the authorities have weaponized the criminal justice system against the ruling party’s political opponents, with cases of abductions, arbitrary arrests, and other human rights abuses.

source-i.harare.