President designate of Zimbabwe, Emerson Mnangagwa, has promised citizens that freedom of speech, of assembly and the right to criticise the government is protected by his administration.
“This is an indispensable part of the new Zimbabwe. It is non-negotiable and will not change. We won the election freely and fairly, and have nothing to hide or fear. Anyone is free to address the media at any time,” he said on his official twitter account this afternoon, shortly after riot police had tried to disrupt a press conference called by MDC president Nelson Chamisa.
International and local journalists were ordered to “get out” of the conference venue by armed riot police. After about an hour of confusion acting information minister SK Moyo arrived and shortly thereafter the police left. The press conference eventually went ahead, at which Chamisa said MDC had won the elections – and would be mounting a robust court challenge to prove it. He called on the international community to support them in their endeavours, and thanked Zimbabweans for their patience and peacefulness.
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You are free to pass the river, said the crocodile to the zebra.