Australian-based Zimbabwean journalist Charles Dzimwasha has added his voice on the passing of a so-called “Patriotic Bill” by the lower house of parliament saying it was regrettable.
By Tafadzwa Muranganwa
Speaking to this publication, the young journalist had no kind words for the Zanu PF legislators who voted for the controversial bill.
“It’s absurd for the ruling party lawyers to sign such a retrogressive law. They have abrogated their mandate of ensuring citizens rights are protected,”fumed Dzimwasha.
The Criminal Code Law Ammendment Bill if signed into law it will criminalises citizens “willfully damaging the sovereignty and national interest of Zimbabwe.”
According to Dzimwasha, President Emmerson Mnangagwa should be guided by moral principles not to sign the law.
“President Mnangagwa needs to have a clear conscience and not act immoral to sign this as a law.
” It will vindicate the view that former President Robert Mugabe was way better than him, “argues Dzimwasha.
The youthful journalist said journalists also risk being persecuted once the bill is enacted into a law.
” I fear for my colleagues, they will be guests of the state because of this law. Its not opposition and civil society activists only who will be at risk of arrests.
“The media should report extensively against this bill so that it doesn’t pass into a law,” he
challenged