A Zimbabwean pastor who fled the country after organising peaceful protests against President Robert Mugabe faces a fresh charge of 20 years in prison for crime
Evan Mawarire previously fled Zimbabwe after organising the stay-at-home protests last year under hashtag #thisflag, which was protesting against what some see as President Mugabe's dictatorial, authoritarian government.
He was previously arrested and charged last year with inciting public violence before fresh charges of attempting to overthrow a constitutionally-elected government were then brought during his court trial.
It was then thrown out, after the judge ruled he was not receiving a fair trial.
The church pastor then fled Zimbabwe but returned on Wednesday, where he has now been charged again with subverting a constitutionally-elected government, which carries up to 20 years in prison.
The charges relate to his role in organising peaceful protests against Robert Mugabe in New York during the UN general assembly last year in September.
Muleya Mwananyanda, Amnesty International's deputy regional director for southern Africa, has called the latest charge against Evan Mawarire "absolutely ridiculous and a total sham", saying it was meant to "punish him for speaking out about the declining human-rights situation" in Zimbabwe.
A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference
In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.
Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.
For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.
Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.
Support Us
Article by Aaron James
Tola Mbakwe is a multimedia journalist for Premier.
