Self-exiled #ThisFlag Pastor and political activist Evan Mawarire last week come back home to Zimbabwe.Since his exile #ThisFlag has been dyeing a slow death and some people believe the movement is dead. Evan Mawarire, was arrested last week on allegations of plotting to remove the government, was granted $300 bail yesterday, but will only able to leave the prison today due to technical issues.
Mr Mawarire had been charged with Subverting Constitutional Government as defined in section 22(2) (a) Of the Criminal Law (Codification And Reformation,) Act Chapter 9:23 , the same charges he was charged in 2016.
When business closed yesterday, Harrison Nkomo and Jeremiah Bamu, Mawarire’s lawyers, had not yet received the High Court order for his freedom and also pay the $300 bail money at the Harare Magistrates’ Court.
High Court Judge ,Justice Clement Phiri , ruled in favour of Mawarire stating that the state had a weak case and that they had failed to submit compelling reasons for his continued stay in remand prison before trial. Even though the state has stated that Mawarire was flight risk and had connections in the US.
#Thisflag Pastor has been ordered by the court ordered him to surrender his passport and to report twice a week, at Avondale Police Station,
As part of this bail conditions Evan was to reside at the given address and not to interfere with State witnesses.
Speaking at courtesy call to the ministry of Information Communication Technology and Courier Services Minister Supa Mandiwanzira, British ambassador to Zimbabwe Ms Catriona Laing voiced worries that Mawarire’s arrest was unconstitutional.
Addressing journalists in Harare yesterday, Minister Mandiwanzira said that the law in Zimbabwe was not segregatory and if anyone broke the law, justice would take its course
“I was very clear that it is very important that the world understands that Zimbabwe is very serious about the rule of law,” the Minister said. “It doesn’t matter who you are, whether you are a politician, a traditional leader, a businessman or a church leader, if you break the law it will take its course. Therefore, his (Mawarire) arrest must be seen in the context of there being the rule of law in our country, that if you breach your bail conditions you definitely will get arrested”
Minister Mandiwanzira advised Ms Laing to use her worldly influence in clearing Zimbabwe’s name, which has been dragged into the mud for allegedly infringing on Mawarire’s rights.
