News of the South HARARE – The High Court yesterday ruled that government’s shutdown of the internet was illegal stating that Minister of State for Security has no right to issue such a directive.
The court said only President Emmerson Mnangagwa has the authority to make such an order.
Government closed the internet for much of last week after violent protests errupted all across the country and restored partial internet over the weekend, but kept a blackout on social media apps like Facebook, Whatsapp and Twitter. Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions Secretary General, Japhet Moyo was arrest at the airport in Harare on Monday and lawyers are checking with police to see why.
His organization had called for last week’s nationwide strike to protest the government’s action to more than double the price of fuel. The strike and protests sparked off a government crackdown in which 12 people were killed, according to human rights groups.
More than 600 people, including opposition members of parliament, have been arrested in connection with last week’s protests. The labor federation called for last week’s job stay away.
Zimbabwe’s capital is returning to normal Monday, after a week of turmoil in which Zimbabweans protested dramatic fuel price hikes and government security forces launched a crackdown in which 12 people were killed. ost shops and businesses have reopened, although many people are stocking up on food items in case the country faces further unrest.
Indicating the severity of Zimbabwe’s economic problems, South Africa confirmed that it turned down Mnangagwa’s request for a loan of $1.2 billion recently.
“We just don’t have that kind of money,” South African treasury spokesman Jabulani Sikhakane said.
In the widespread crackdown, more than 600 people have been arrested of which more than 400 have been denied bail, said Mtetwa.
Comments
About Author
