Zimbabwe Protest Leader Released on Bail

A Zimbabwean High Court recently ordered the release of popular activist Promise Mkwananzi (pictured) who has championed a series of protests against President Robert Mugabe.

Mkwananzi was arrested last month and charged with inciting violence and destroying public property during the August 26th protests against police brutality. Mkwananzi is the spokesperson of the rights group Tajamuka, which means “we strongly disagree.”

Mkwananzi was arrested alongside fellow activist Bruce Usviso, after protesters clashed with police in the capital, Harare, when a van and other property belonging to the Zimbabwean Broadcasting Corporation was set ablaze.

Speaking to the AFP, Mkwananzi’s lawyer, Tonderai Bhatasara, said that Mkwananzi was given $100 bail, “He was told to surrender his passport and to report at the police law and order section every Friday.”

The BBC reports that a statement from the group Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights says several other activists accused of violence are still being held but their cases will be heard.

Tajamuka spokesman Denford Ngadziore said in a statement last Wednesday that another of its activists, actor Sylvanos Mudzvova, remained in intensive care after he was abducted, beaten, and abandoned in an undisclosed location by suspected members of Mugabe’s party, Zanu PF.

“Six men forced their way into his house, he was found after nearly five hours. He is being treated for head, rib and leg injuries. We suspect it’s ZANU-PF people who have been targeting Tajamuka activists. The regime has scaled up its violence against opponents.”

More anti-government protests are planned, despite a police ban on all public demonstrations. At 92-years-old, President Mugabe has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence in 1980 and public dissatisfaction against his regime is now at an all-time high.