HARARE – A court ruled on Friday that a journalist charged with inciting violence was a danger to the public and extended his detention until August 7, while the United Nations expressed concern that authorities could be clamping down on freedoms.
Hopewell Chin’ono and opposition politician Jacob Ngarivhume were arrested on Monday on allegations of promoting planned protests against corruption in government on July 31, which police say will turn violent.
The two, who deny the charges, face up to 10 years imprisonment if convicted.
Harare magistrate Ngoni Nduna ruled: “His tweets were aimed at inciting the public to engage in violent protests and he would continue broadcasting the tweets if he is bailed out.
“Also, this court has taken into consideration the issue of public confidence in the judiciary. This would be undermined if he is granted bail at the expense of public safety.”
Chin’ono, who has gained a following on social media by being critical of the government’s handling of the economy and corruption, told reporters as he was being taken to prison cells: “Journalism has been criminalised. The struggle against corruption should continue. People should not stop, they should carry on with it.”
He will be kept in prison until a court hearing on August 7. His lawyer Doug Coltart said he would appeal Friday’s ruling extending his detention until that hearing.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said in a statement it was concerned by allegations that Zimbabwean authorities may be using the Covid-19 pandemic as a pretext to clamp down on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
“Merely calling for a peaceful protest or participating in a peaceful protest are an exercise of recognised human rights,” it said.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa imposed an overnight curfew and tighter restrictions on movement from Wednesday to combat rising coronavirus infections. But activists say the measures are meant to stop the July 31 protests.
Meanwhile, Harare mayor Herbert Gomba who is facing criminal abuse of office charges over the allocation of housing stands was also denied bail.
Harare magistrate Bianca Makwande said he is an influential person and may use his position to intimidate witnesses and interfere with evidence if granted bail.
