News of the South HARARE -Zimbabwe’s high court on Tuesday ordered the release on bail of controversial activist pastor Evan Mawarire, who was arrested on charges of subversion amid violent anti-government protests.
Mawarire is one of more than 1,000 people who were arrested in a security crackdown over their alleged roles in demonstrations that took place this month following a hike in fuel prices.
The release of Mawarire on $2 000 bail comes at a time when Government is under pressure from human rights organisations over the use of violence and unwarranted arrest of citizens.
Following his release on bail, Mawarire rejected the allegations of subverting the administration.
“Our attention has never been to overthrow the government,” he told reporters on Wednesday. “All I’ve asked for is for our country to be fixed.”
“If you ask me if it is my attention to continue my struggle — I have no choice,” he said.
The popular pastor also slammed the “tragedy” of the government’s brutal response to protests. I was locked up with over 300 young men whose limbs were broken after being beaten by soldiers and police,” he said. “There are 16-year-olds who have been locked up. “
International observers condemned the violence, and President Mnangagwa pledged an investigation into the crackdown.
At the same time, however Zimbabwe authorities mostly cast blame on the opposition and “bogus elements” in allegedly stolen uniforms.
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