Zimbabwe’s National Assembly, the lower house of Parliament, passed a bill that punishes acts that harm “sovereignty and the national interest.” The legislation includes a ban on participating in meetings where sanctions or trade boycotts against the country are discussed and provides for a maximum penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment for violating this law.
A lawmaker from the ruling Zanu-PF party defended the new legislation as “noble” and well-intentioned, aimed at fostering patriotism among Zimbabweans. He stated that the law does not seek to restrict the existence of political parties but to promote love for the country and discourage criticism.
However, opposition and human rights organizations strongly criticized the law, arguing that it seeks to ban criticism of the government and stifle dissent ahead of the next general elections, scheduled for August. They consider it a draconian measure that violates freedom of expression and limits the diversity of opinions.
The law has been compared to the apartheid regime in Rhodesia, the former name of Zimbabwe before its independence. Critics say it is the most repugnant and restrictive ever seen in the country and fear that, despite protests, it will be passed by the Senate and President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
This bill adds to a series of controversial measures taken by Mnangagwa’s government in the months leading up to the elections. In February, the government banned the participation of civil society organizations in the political process, allowing state interference in their governance and activities.
The passage of this law reflects a worrying trend towards the repression of freedom of expression and dissent in Zimbabwe, raising concerns about respect for human rights in the country.