A magistrate in Harare has sentenced the head of a minor opposition group to prison for his part in organizing demonstrations against the government three years ago.
Jacob Ngarivhume of Transform Zimbabwe was given a four-year prison term with a one-year suspension. According to Magistrate Feresi Chakanyanya, a fine or suspended sentence would have reduced the crime of inciting people to conduct violence to a minor offense.
Ngarivhume was detained in July 2020 for urging demonstrations against corruption and the worsening economic situation.
Several government critics were detained by the police for holding up protest signs along a road in their neighborhood, including renowned author Tsitsi Dangarembga. The police had earlier forbidden the demonstrations because of coronavirus limitations.
Dangarembga was found guilty of inciting violence earlier this year, but he was offered the choice of paying a fine instead.
Ngarivhume will file an appeal against both his verdict and punishment.
The Zimbabwean government has been charged with utilizing the law to restrict free speech in the nation.
