Zimbabwe seeks to criminalise any criticism of the government
- The already dire situation in Zimbabwe appears to be escalating dramatically
- The ruling ZANU PF party is now seeking to outlaw any 'prominent criticism of the government'
- This change to the neighbouring country's law is embodied in the Patriot Act
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Sources within the ZANU PF party has confirmed that Zimbabwe is seeking to make any 'prominent criticism of the government' illegal.
This law will be introduced through the Patriot Act, a sign that the worst is yet to come in the embattled nation.
The nation is facing severe economic and financial issues with the government, led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has harshly dealt with any criticism.
Reports of journalists being kidnapped and assaulted for raising their concerns have been abundant.
Source: UGC
This new law will see Zimbabwean citizens facing criminal charges if they engage with foreign governments without the government's permission.
Any conduct deemed to be undermining the country will also be totally forbidden with Zimbabwe's justice, legal and parliamentary affairs secretary Virginia Mabhiza commenting that it is in the country's best interests:
“Conduct such as private correspondence with foreign governments or any officer or agent thereof will be prohibited, including false statements influencing foreign governments, or any other such conduct aimed at undermining the country,”
The South African reports that the detention of political prisoners recently sparked an international outcry and prompted the ANC to send a delegation to Harare.
Earlier, it was reported that the delegation itself had viewed the mission to reach out successful but noted with concern that the government seemed to reject any mention of the immense difficulties in the country.
The ANC delegation itself had sparked outrage when it emerged that top members of the ruling party had made use of a South African National Defence Force jet to travel to the country.
In response to the incident, the SANDF had denied any wrong-doing, pointing out that the Defence Minister had travelled with the delegation to Zimbabwe.
This incident had seen the ANC accused of abusing its power with the Democratic Alliance demanding a probe into the matter with the lodging of a complaint at the office of the Public Protector.
The ANC later acknowledged that it had made a mistake and committed to covering the costs of the journey out of its own pocket.
This failed to impress the DA, who was adamant this concession was an admission of guilt.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
