Political Activist Linda Masarira Appears in Court, Sent Back to Prison
A large number of civic society activists converged at the Mbare Magistrates Court to show their solidarity to Linda Masarira.
HARARE — A Mbare magistrate court on Tuesday remanded pro-democracy activist, Linda Masarira, and 14 others to August 11 after throwing out their application to have their matter referred to the Constitutional Court. Masarira and her colleagues were contending that their constitutional rights were violated when they were brought to court after 53 hours instead of the 48 hours required by Zimbabwean law following their arrest during the July 6 stay way that was organized by Tajamuka Sesijikile Campaign and Pastor Evan Mawarire of #This Flag. Harare magistrate, Stan Mambanje, threw out the application saying the court had ruled that they were brought to court within the required time and the defence had not opposed the ruling on its previous sitting on the matter. Attorney, Kudzai Kadzere, said he was disappointed that the court did not agree with them in this matter. Masarira was remanded in custody while her co-accused are out on bail. Kadzere said he was also disappointed the court did not entertain his application for Masarira to be transferred to Mutare Remand Prison so he could cancel her warrant of arrest which would enable her to apply for bail. The state has not yet revealed the contents of the said warrant for her arrest. Scores of pro-democracy activists, who thronged Mbare magistrate court in solidarity with Masarira and others, described today’s ruling as a setback for pro-democracy activists. One of them, Proud Mukono, said they will keep up the fight. Hardlife Mudzingwa of Tajamuka, Sesijikile said they will up the tempo with more demonstrations lined up until the Zimbabwean crisis is resolved. Groups like Tajamuka, Sesijikile and #This Flag Campaign are demanding President Robert Mugabe and his government should addresses the country’s socio-economic problems or leave office.