Amnesty International has expressed deep concern over the passage of Zimbabwe's "Patriotic Bill" by the Senate, which criminalizes actions deemed to harm the country's sovereignty and national interest.
Flavia Mwangovya, Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, warns that the bill represents a crackdown on freedom of expression, assembly, and association in Zimbabwe. The vague and broad provisions of the bill, including penalties such as economic sanctions and the death penalty, are seen as a violation of international human rights obligations. Amnesty International calls on the President to reject the bill and urges the government to uphold its commitments under international human rights law.
The Criminal Law Codification and Reform Amendment Bill, 2022, targets individuals who willfully harm Zimbabwe's sovereignty and participate in meetings advocating for economic sanctions. If enacted, the law could curtail fundamental rights and potentially impose the death penalty on government critics, activists, journalists, and opposition members.
Amnesty International emphasizes its opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances. The bill, published in December 2022, passed through the lower house of the National Assembly on May 31, 2023, and subsequently gained Senate approval on June 7, 2023. It now awaits the President's assent.
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