Fredrick Moyo
The recently gazetted Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Bill 2022 will likely impose stiff penalties to Zimbabweans who are alleged to be campaigning against perceived interests and thus violating freedom of expression.
Government on November 22 approved the amendment bill, which criminalises conduct that undermines the country’s dignity, independence, sovereignty and national interests.
The bill also amends the elements relating to abuse of public office, as well as providing for mandatory sentences on rape and murder.
In a Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) statement released on November 23, 2022 undersigned by acting Secretary General Runesu Dzimira, the organisation raised concerns on the bill’s likelihood to bar Zimbabweans from dialogue with foreign countries.
“The statement by the government indicates that the Bill will criminalize any conduct that is deemed to undermine Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, dignity and national interest. The Bill effectively bars Zimbabweans from talking to foreign governments on the prevailing situation in the country. Even in our African tradition, when a father beats his children, the children can approach neighbours for mediation.
“Zimbabwe does not need the Bill and by approving the law, government is shooting itself in the foot as this will cement the widely held view that Zimbabwe is under authoritarian rule,” read part of the statement.
The statement also said the Bill will be used to silence voices of opponents of government and also to instil fear in society.
“There is no doubt that this Bill will be used as a weapon against opponents of the government to clampdown on dissenting voices. The ZCTU believes that issues to do with patriotism should not be imposed on citizens and patriotism does not mean keeping quiet when there is bad governance. No one has the right to prescribe to Zimbabweans what is and not patriotism.
“With elections drawing closer, the ZCTU also believes this Bill is meant to instil fear into society and Zimbabweans not to speak out on issues to do with violence, harassment and intimidation that have been a hallmark of our elections over the years,” added part of the statement.
ZCTU urged members of the Parliament to reject the Bill which suppresses citizens’ right to freedom of expression and association.
“The ZCTU demands that legislators in Parliament reject the Bill and ensure that Zimbabweans’ right to freedom of expression and association, which are guaranteed in our Constitution, are protected,” read part of the statement.
