Govt Passes Law Prohibiting Citizens From Talking To Foreign Governments
27 October 2020
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ZBC

Monica Mutsvangwa

CABINET has approved changes to the criminal law to to allow the criminalisation and prosecution of “unauthorised communication or negotiation by private citizens with foreign governments”.

The development was confirmed by information publicity and broadcasting services minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, at Tuesday’s post-cabinet media briefing.

“… the Vienna Convention on diplomatic Relations (1961) only recognises States as legitimate players in foreign relations and negotiations,” said the minister.

“Private players thus have no business in foreign relations and negotiations between countries.”

At the weekend, Zimbabwe and the region marked the second SADC Day against sanctions imposed by the West to punish Harare for its land reforms.

Now in place for two decades, the crippling sanctions were imposed at the active instigation of local opposition parties and anti-Zimbabwe civil society groups.

“The amendments will criminalise the conduct of isolated citizens or groups who, for self-gain cooperate or continue to connive with hostile foreign governments to inflict suffering on Zimbabwean citizens and to cause damage to national interests,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

Wilful misinformation of foreign governments will also be liable to prosecution under the changes, including the staging of protests “deliberately designed to coincide with major international, continental or regional visits.”

The minister added; “There are also various unsubstantiated claims of torture and abductions that are concocted to tarnish the image of government, and (the) amendments will criminalise such conduct.”