Staff Reporter | Pastor Evan Mawarire has won another victory after the High Court ruled that his bail conditions were ‘not justifiable.’
Wrote Mawarire on Facebook, “A small victory for us at the High Court today. After many postponements by the state, the High Court ruled today that my bail conditions were not justifiable.”
The judge ruled that Mawarire is now to report to the police once every 2 weeks instead of twice a week. It was also ruled that he could have his passport back temporarily till April 20th to allow him to discharge his pastoral and personal business outside the country.
“Never has citizen power become so key in the journey of bringing change to Zimbabwe. Don’t lose hope Zimbabwe. Let’s keep raising #ThisFlag high,” said Mawarire.
According to the State, during the period extending from July 13 to December last year, Mawarire, who is the founder of #This flag Movement and senior pastor at His Generation Church, went to print and electronic media inciting the Zimbabwean populace to revolt against the constitutionally-elected government of Zimbabwe.
The State alleges Mawarire urged all Zimbabweans not to go to work and to shut down the country. The State further alleges people took heed of his calls and engaged in violent demonstrations resulting in the stoning of cars, blocking of roads and damaging of property.
Mawarire allegedly went on social media thanking Zimbabweans particularly the youths who had responded to his call for the demonstration. He allegedly encouraged the populace to prepare and participate actively in other demonstrations.
The State alleges that despite warnings, Mawarire continued circulating videos on social media platforms inciting Zimbabweans to stage demonstrations.
On September 15 last year, Mawarire allegedly through social media further called on Zimbabweans in the United States of America and all over the world to converge in New York to confront President Robert Mugabe, who was attending the United Nations General Assembly.
It is the State’s case that Mawarire should have foreseen that there was a real risk or possibility that his actions might lead to the violent demonstrations that took place in Zimbabwe as a result.