Zimbabwe’s #ThisFlag campaign leader Pastor Evan Mawarire was released on Wednesday evening after the Harare Magistrate’s Court found that his arrest was unconstitutional.
Mawarire, who is behind last week’s stayaway, was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly inciting violence and disturbing the peace.
Prosecutors tried to change the charge in court to a more serious one of subverting the state, but lawyers argued that such a move was in breach of the constitution.
Hours after the normal court day ended, Harrison Nkomo, who is appearing for Mawarire continued to argue before magistrate, Vakai Chikwekwe, that the charges were different to those put to Mawarire when he was arrested at Harare Central Police Station on Tuesday.
The magistrate agreed and ruled that Mawarire’s arrest was unconstitutional. The charges were dropped and the pastor was released and was met by thunderous cheers outside court from hundreds of supporters.
– African News Agency (ANA)
