Water cannons and a heavy riot police presence were outside a court in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, as the organizer of the country’s largest shutdown protest in nearly a decade was set to appear.
Evan Mawarire, a pastor, arrived at the court in Harare on Wednesday, a day after police charged him with inciting violence and disturbing the peace.
Dozens of activists wearing Zimbabwe’s flag were singing, chanting slogans and praying outside the court.
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| Heavy riot police presence for #ThisFlag Evan Mawarire hearing |
Many people answered Mawarire’s call on social media last week for a job boycott to protest dismal economic conditions under longtime President Robert Mugabe.
Another boycott had been called for Wednesday, but the response appeared muted. The government has warned organizers of further protests that “they will face the full wrath of the law.”
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| Pastor Evan Mawarire’s supporters sit in front of the court and start singing |
#Tajamuka pressure group leader Promise Mkwananzi made an address at the court house, reiterating they were not intending to cause any violence. AP
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| Supporters of Pastor Evan Mawarire flock to the Harare Magistrates Court (Picture by Hopewell Chin’ono) |
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| Magistrate refuses to enter court until Riot Police is removed from the court…Drama in Harare! (Picture by Hopewell Chin’ono) |
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| Supporters of Pastor Evan Mawarire flock to the Harare Magistrates Court (Picture by Hopewell Chin’ono) |
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| Heavy riot police presence at the Harare Magistrates Court (Picture by Hopewell Chin’ono) |
.jpg "Sona Solar Zimbabwe")
.jpg "Sona Solar Zimbabwe")
