23 November 2022
For immediate release
PRESS RELEASE
SUBJECT: FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION UNDER THREAT AS GOVERNMENT APPROVES PATRIOTIC BILL
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) notes with great concern and alarm that Cabinet has approved the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Bill 2022, that will impose stiff penalties to Zimbabweans who are alleged to be campaigning against perceived national interests.
The Statement by the government indicate that the Bill will criminalize any conduct that is deemed to undermine Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, dignity and national interest. The Bill effectively bars Zimbabwean from talking to foreign governments on the prevailing situation in the country. Even in our African tradition, when a father beats his children, the children can approach neighbours for mediation. Zimbabwe does not need this Bill and by approving this law, the Government is shooting itself in the foot as this will cement the widely held view that Zimbabwe is under authoritarian rule.
There is no doubt that this Bill will be used as a weapon against opponents of the government to clampdown on dissenting voices. The ZCTU believe that issues to do with patriotism should not be imposed on citizens and patriotism does not mean keeping quiet when there is bad governance. Noone has a right to prescribe to Zimbabweans what is and what is not patriotism.
With elections drawing closer, the ZCTU also believes this Bill is meant to instill fear to the society and Zimbabweans not to speak out on issues to do with violence, harassment and intimidation that have been a hallmark of our elections over the years. The Bill is a direct attack on democracy, freedom of expression and association. If it passed, it will confirm that indeed the government enjoys tightening its noose on Zimbabweans.
The ZCTU demands that legislators in Parliament reject the Bill and ensure that Zimbabweans’ right to freedom of expression and association, which are guaranteed in our Constitution, are protected.
Runesu Dzimiri
ACTING SECRETARY-GENERAL
