Zimbabwean activist sent to prison for inciting violence
Defence lawyers said Makomborero Haruzivishe was convicted last week on circumstantial evidence, and the MDC Alliance claimed he’s a victim of political persecution.
HARARE - A court in Zimbabwe has on Tuesday sentenced an opposition activist to 14 months in prison for inciting public violence.
Defence lawyers said Makomborero Haruzivishe was convicted last week on circumstantial evidence, and the MDC Alliance claimed he’s a victim of political persecution.
There was a heavy police presence outside the Harare Magistrates Court as his supporters gathered ahead of the sentencing.
They used the Twitter hashtag #FreeMako and a video clip of a candlelit vigil held for him on Monday night was posted on Twitter.
Mako is a brilliant, intelligent, courageous, compassionate, strategic, inspiring, creative young man. Hes a voice of the youth, the downtrodden and oppressed; a symbol of resistance; and an unbreakable spirit. Thats why the regime fears him and wants him locked up. #FreeMako pic.twitter.com/mcpSnR3NAJ
Doug Coltart (@DougColtart) April 6, 2021
Jailed for speaking against poverty, corruption and mismanagement. Our generation is being victimised in our watch. #FreeMako pic.twitter.com/v08BfbHefl
Stephen Chidhau (@stevecrae) April 6, 2021
Constable Rayson Davison of 4032 Westlea Harare is the one who saw Mako having lunch and said it amounted to inciting public violence.
Tapiwanashe Chiriga (@tapchiriga97) April 6, 2021
Remember HIS NAME! #FreeMako pic.twitter.com/9n6oKd2qXz
In a devastating turn of events, Mako has been sentenced to an effective 14 months in prison. This is a clear example of political persecution. #FreeMako pic.twitter.com/Ct2NWbFq06
MDC Alliance (@mdczimbabwe) April 6, 2021
The 28-year-old MDC Alliance activist was convicted of inciting public violence and resisting arrest during a skirmish with police officers in Harare last year.
After his 14-month jail sentence was handed down on Tuesday, police stopped defence lawyers from speaking to journalists outside the court.
One reporter was struck and injured on the hand with a police baton.
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