Zimbabwe's 'Patriotic Bill' outlaws criticism of government before election
Source: Reuters
Zimbabwe's 'Patriotic Bill' outlaws criticism of government before election
Reuters
June 1, 2023 6:29 AM EDT Updated 10 hours ago
HARARE, June 1 (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's parliament has outlawed criticism of the government ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections in August, with violations of a new law punishable by up to 20 years in jail.
The Criminal Law Code Amendment Bill, widely known as the "Patriotic Bill", contains a clause that criminalises "wilfully damaging the sovereignty and national interest of Zimbabwe".
Opposition activists said the law, passed late on Wednesday, was designed to punish citizens, civil society organisations and political adversaries of the ruling ZANU-PF party.
It has raised fears that the government could launch a crackdown on dissent ahead of the general election on Aug. 23, where President Emmerson Mnangagwa will be seeking a second term.
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Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/zimbabwes-patriotic-bill-outlaws-criticism-government-before-election-2023-06-01/
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