Riot police at Zimbabwe court as protest organizer to appear

Zimbabwean pastor Evan Mawarire was charged on Wednesday with attempting to overthrow the government through an Internet campaign that inspired rare protests this month against President Robert Mugabe.

Mawarire popularly known for his #ThisFlag campaign was arrested on Tuesday upon handing himself over to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, leading to searches at his offices and home.

“Police are the ones committing extreme violence on citizens”.

‘Listen to citizens’ In an interview with the Guardian last week, the pastor called on the global community to put pressure on the government of the 92-year-old autocrat Robert Mugabe to “listen to its own citizens”.

Nkomo said messages circulating on social media that he has been re-arrested are untrue.

Speaking to the full court room, magistrate Vakayi Chikwekwe, said: “It’s my finding that the National Prosecuting Authority can not charge the accused for (the) first time in court without charges being read out to him”.

By the official time of closure of the courts, Magistrate had indicated Mawarire would not be granted bail while lawyers were busy arguing against the sudden change of the charges. Mawarire’s arrest has outraged many Zimbabweans.

The charge of subversion carries a maximum sentence of 20 years.

Thanks to the government of Zimbabwe Pastor Evan’s arrest has actually made him, because Zimbabweans from all walks of life thronged the Rotten Row courts to show their support.

Be Civil – It’s OK to have a difference in opinion but there’s no need to be a jerk.

“Instead of suppressing dissenting voices, Zimbabwean authorities should be listening to protesters like Evan Mawarire”, Muleya Mwananyanda, Amnesty’s deputy director for southern Africa, said in a statement. Activists also chanted slogans and prayed.

Different supporters spoke in solidarity of the Zimbabwean preacher. Malema said victory was certain for the Zimbabwean people protesting against the Zanu-PF government, which has been in power since 1980 under Mugabe’s leadership. “We actually want you to know the reality on the ground”. “I’m yet to see recorded violence where citizens are the ones committing violence towards the police”, says Matsilele.

“He was not properly brought before the court-that’s why the magistrate refused remand”. He reminded them that the country they have united to fight for will benefit their children, and encouraged them to continue in the struggle to build Zimbabwe.