A Zimbabwean magistrate ordered prison authorities to unchain a journalist accused of mobilizing anti-government protests, but then ruled that his testimony of poor prison conditions must be heard in private. Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, in jail for about three weeks, is making his third bid to be released on bail. His lawyers have already filed a separate court application asking prison authorities to stop the “blatant and malicious stripping away” of his rights, including being chained and being denied adequate food and warm clothing. Chin’ono appeared at the magistrates’ court in leg irons for his bail hearing Wednesday, prompting his lawyers to ask for the magistrate’s intervention. The magistrate granted Mtetwa’s request to remove the leg irons. As part of his appeal to be released on bail, Chin’ono is expected to tell the court of the harsh conditions he has experienced in jail. Chin’ono is among more than 100 other government critics who have been arrested in recent months, according to human rights groups. One of them is Jacob Ngarivhume, a politician, whom lawyers said is enduring the same prison conditions as Chin’ono. He has also been denied bail twice and his fresh bail application will be heard Monday.
SOURCE: IOL
More Stories
Re-entry of Higher Capacity Aircraft on African Routes Shows Recovery of Hard Hit Travel Sector
For the First Time, Jumia May have to Worry about its Liquidity Position
The Pros and Cons of South Africa’s Tourism Marketing Strategy
Can Southern African States Move Further Up the Lithium Value Chain?
Dutch Energy Producer Eyes Africa Expansion
Libya’s Oil Ministry has Rejected the $8bn Offshore Gas Projects Deal
Zimbabwe’s Leader is Seeking Investment for a New National Capital
South African Poultry Farmers in Dire Straits
Travel Marketplace for Immersive Experiences Matching Tourists with Verified African Curators
Africa’s Only All-Female Solar Panel Assembly Plant Launched in Cape Town
Pope Francis Condemns “Economic Colonialism” as He Arrives in the DRC
Encouraging Signs that Corruption is being Successfully Tackled in Parts of Africa