Outcry over Zimbabwe law criminalizing pro-sanctions candidates

The new law criminalizes citizens who campaign for sanctions and trade boycotts against Zimbabwe through lobbying and engaging foreign Governments:

“Crisis in Zimbabwe coalition is deeply concerned by the this new law. This development reflects a worrisome escalation of the use of laws to crackdown on the fundamental rights and freedoms of Zimbabweans, particularly regarding freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.

Of major concern is that this is also happening a few weeks before Zimbabwe holds a crucial national election. Undoubtedly, this has every potential to further diminish the credibility of the entire electoral process.

It is surprising that at a time the Government has invited foreign observers to come and observe our electoral process, it then chooses to gag citizens from talking about the same election, including its shortcomings which are all too glaring,” said Crisis in Zimbabwe coalition, a human rights advocate non-profit organization.

In addition, the non-profit organization said the new law will undermine the inclusivity and fairness of the whole electoral process and compromise the overall legitimacy of the August 23 General elections.

Furthermore, Advocate Thabani Mpofu said there was nothing patriotic about the new law and cited that it was an infringement on freedom of expression:

“There is nothing patriotic about the patriotic law. Of the assaults on our liberties, this is one of the most crass, most serious, most unnecessary and indeed most unfortunate,” said Advocate Mpofu.

However, Advocate Herbert Nyaruwata said the new law does not forbid citizens of Zimbabwe to discuss politics, economics, social issues or any other matters, adding that it does not forbid pointing out any wrongs and criticism of Government.

Penalties for the crime differ according to the object of the meeting, if the object of the meeting is to consider or plan armed intervention, the penalty for participating in it is the same as for treason, namely the death sentence or imprisonment for life, if the object of the meeting is to subvert or overthrow the Government, the penalty for participating in it is the same as for subverting constitutional Government, namely imprisonment for up to 20 years, and if the meeting is about sanctions or a trade boycott, the penalty for participating in it is a fine of up to Z$200 000 or imprisonment for up to 10 years or both.

“In addition, if the crime is committed in aggravating circumstances (i.e. if sanctions were implemented as a result of the meeting or if a non-binding advisory was issued with the same effect as sanctions, or if the convicted person made a false statement during the meeting) and if the Prosecutor so requests, the Court may impose any of the following penalties, deprivation of citizenship, if the convicted person is a citizen by registration or a dual citizen, cancellation of residence rights, if the convicted person is a permanent resident of Zimbabwe, prohibition from being registered as a voter or from voting, for a period between five and 15 years, or prohibition from holding public office for a period between five and 15 years.”