Zimbabwe police have made arrests of opposition leader Jameson Timba and 80 youths for organizing a political gathering that was deemed unauthorized by authorities. The arrests took place on Sunday, with the group likely facing charges related to maintenance of public order laws.
Jameson Timba recently assumed the role of interim leader for the Citizens Coalition for Change after former leader Nelson Chamisa resigned in January, citing claims that the party had been infiltrated by the ruling ZANU-PF party.
The arrests have been met with criticism from the CCC party spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi, who labeled the actions as “regrettable” and a sign of “democratic regression”.
The law in Zimbabwe stipulates that political parties must seek clearance from police before conducting public gatherings. This legal requirement has been utilized in the past to suppress opposition activities and restrict political rallies.
As of now, the individuals remain in custody, and efforts are being made by their lawyer to secure their release. Police have not provided any immediate comment on the situation.
The arrests have sparked concerns about the state of political freedoms and democracy in Zimbabwe, with many calling for a more open and inclusive approach to governance.
