Source: Mawarire charged with attempt to overthrow Govt – NewZimbabwe 13/07/2016
PASTOR Evan Mawarire has been charged with attempting to overthrow government after state prosecutor changed charges against him from inciting violence to subverting a constitutional government in contravention of Section 22 (2) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
The state argues that Mawarire, who was arrested on Tuesday, sought to overthrow government through his internet campaign that inspired rare protests against President Robert Mugabe’s government.
After charging him on Tuesday, officers searched his house, church and office claiming he was in possession of a police helmet and baton stock allegedly stolen during protests last week.
Mawarire was brought to court Wednesday after spending the night in police cells only to be told that charges had been changed and that he can only apply for bail at the High Court.
His lawyer, Harrison Nkomo, immediately made an application against change of charges and demanded the release of his client saying both his arrest and detention were unlawful.
The charge of attempting to overthorw a consitutionally elected government may have taken many aback as Mawarire has been calling for peaceful stayaways. Through his ThisFlag social movement, Mawarire is calling on people to peacefully stay away from work until government addresses public grievances such as corruption, police brutality and non-payment of civil servants’ salaries.
COMMENTS
This man has tried – honestly – to help Zimbabweans – and he has failed because they are the most grovelling, selfish and dishonest nation on earth. So, Pastor Mawarire, whilst I salute you for a good effort, the fact is that your countrymen are not worth it.
I cuncur! What you see is what you get!
WHO CAN OVERTHROW THE BOKO HARARE, A TERRORIST REGIME!
Zimbabwe is full of ma cowards! Not worth it Rev. There should have been thousands at the court demanding your release!
Chimusoro…yes there were, well in excess of 2000 who demonstrated peacefully by singing and praying. Over 50 human rights lawyers were all there to support him. They all stood when the judge asked who was representing the reverend. In the meantime Grace has done a runner to Singapore. What does that tell you?
stop talking nonsense mr chimusoro u don’t have balls why weren’t u there u want other s to do it fot u ,the pastor is fighting for peace social inequalities economic justice corruption etc. .he is even fighting back for the unpaid civil servants including these stupid police officers violating human rights instead of supporting the pastor they are still being used by the zanu pf part these poor fellow bothers belong to the government not the party shame on them this is why the opposition party in Mozambique is in war against police force and soldiers because they are doing the same forward with pastor who’s trying to save zim from drowning
u should have been there yesterday
we were from 6am to 8 pm
huge support
where were u joe cool B4 u make such comments !!!
let’s fight our coutry
thank yu pastor zimbabweans ar cowards they dont know what they want . they ar ful of talkings only and no action libians and egyptians removed there presidents as a nation but zims ar cowards tota
I don’t see why you people are fighting over nothing. Pastor Evan Mawarire had the balls stay his piece by fighting for justice and as a lay member of society that is all he can do. Meanwhile the opposition has not voiced a single speak……they are the ones who should have been riding on the wave of this social unrest to demand elections right away. There is nobody in Zimbabwe right now who has any credibility of leading the nation unless someone is willing to start a new opposition party with enough balls to call Mugabe out.
Pastor Mawarire had played his part , let’s apriciate that courageous effort . All what is need is to put ice on the cake , because the cake had been ready made !!