Zimbabwe makes it a crime to criticize the government before of elections, with punishment of up to 20 years in prison
Zimbabwe’s parliament has made government criticism illegal ahead of presidential and legislative elections in August, with infractions punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
The Patriotic Bill, also known as the Criminal Law Code Amendment Bill, includes a provision that criminalizes “wilfully undermining Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and national interest.”
According to opposition activists, the bill, which was enacted late Wednesday, was intended to punish civilians, civil society organizations, and political opponents of the ruling Zanu-PF party.
It has raised concerns that the government could crack down on dissent in the run-up to the general election on August 23, in which Emmerson Mnangagwa will seek a second term as president.
Main competitor
Nelson Chamisa, 45, a lawyer and pastor who leads the new Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), is the 80-year-old’s major opponent.
The bill, according to CCC spokeswoman and lawyer Fadzayi Mahere, is “dangerous” and aims to close the democratic space before of elections.
“Zanu-PF has reduced our great nation into an outpost of tyranny,” Mahere told Reuters.
None of it will work because Zimbabweans go to the polls with one goal in mind: to change Zimbabwe.” No amount of panicked dictatorship by Zanu will be able to stop the tide of change.
