Zimbabwe’s parliament passed the controversial Patriotic Bill on July 6th, despite concerns raised by opposition politicians and civil rights activists. The Bill, known as the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Amendment Bill (Criminal Code), includes a clause that criminalises the “wilful damaging of the sovereignty and national interest of Zimbabwe”. The government claims that the bill will bring Zimbabwe’s legal system into line with the constitution.
However, the opposition MPs and activists claim that the bill is a threat to human rights and freedom of speech. They complain that it will put even more power in the hands of President Robert Mugabe and enable him to use the security apparatus to repress opposition. Opponents of the bill have called it a “shocking” attempt to curtail freedom of expression and assembly, which will punish civil society organisations and political adversaries of the ruling ZANU-PF party.
The government has countered complaints of the Patriotic Act, stating that it is for the same function as the US Logan Act. The usage of the Logan Act since its inception in 1799 has only been twice. The Bill criminalises meetings with foreign governments that are deemed detrimental to the country’s national interest.
The move comes in the run-up to the country’s general election, set for August 23rd. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ruling party, Zanu-PF, has passed a bill that imposes harsh punishments on those charged under it. Those found guilty may face up to 20 years in jail, leading to fears that the government may be planning a crackdown on dissent ahead of the elections.
Tendai Biti, a former finance minister, compared the legislation to laws passed by colonial authorities. Hopewell Chin’ono, a well-known journalist, warns that the bill is likely to infringe and destroy freedom of association and assembly.
The bill was passed due to ZANU-PF’s two-thirds majority in parliament. It will now be scrutinised by the Parliamentary Legal Committee before a final reading and referral to the Senate.
The Patriotic Bill may lead to more extensive restrictions of freedom of speech and assembly in Zimbabwe, according to critics. The governing party’s support for the law is concerning for the country’s future political climate. If activists, oppositions, and civil societies are continually targeted and punished with the Patriotic Bill, it will usher in a new era of suppression of democracy and human rights in the country.
