Zimbabwe pastor released; court says police violated rights
Posted July 13, 2016 7:00 am
HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) - A court in Zimbabwe has freed a pastor who organized a nationwide strike against the government, ruling that police violated his rights.
Magistrate Vakayi Chikwekwe told a packed courtroom that the decision to bring new charges in court against Evan Mawarire was unconstitutional.
Mawarire was originally charged with inciting violence when he was arrested on Tuesday, but prosecutors changed the charge just before his court appearance Wednesday to more serious charges of attempting to overthrow a constitutionally elected government.
Mawarire's lawyer protested that the change in the charges was unconstitutional and the magistrate agreed.
Hundreds of singing supporters are waiting for Mawarire's release.
Police keep guard outside the Harare Magistrates Court in Harare, Wednesday, July 13, 2016. Zimbabwean pastor Evan Mawarire was charged Wednesday with attempting to overthrow a constitutionally elected government for organizing a nationwide strike which shut the country down last week. Water cannons and riot police surrounded the Harare Magistrates Court to prevent protests over Mawarire's court appearance. (AP Photo)
The Associated Press
Protesters draped in Zimbabwean flags stand outside Harare Magistrates Court in Harare, Wednesday, July 13, 2016. Zimbabwean pastor Evan Mawarire was charged Wednesday with attempting to overthrow a constitutionally elected government for organizing a nationwide strike which shut the country down last week. Water cannons and riot police surrounded the Harare Magistrates Court to prevent protests over Mawarire's court appearance. (AP Photo)
The Associated Press
FILE - In this Tuesday May 3, 2016 file photo, shows Evans Mawarire, a young pastor, posing with a Zimbabwean flag in Harare, Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe police have charged Mawarire on Tuesday July 12, 2016, with inciting violence and disturbing the peace. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi, File)
The Associated Press