News / National
BREAKING: Mawarire granted bail
08 Feb 2017 at 09:11hrs | Views
The man behind #ThisFlag movement, Pastor Evan Mawarire, was on Wednesday granted bail at the High Court in Harare.
Mawarire was arrested last week at the Harare International Airport upon his arrival from USA.
He is being accused of trying to overthrow government and insulting the national flag through his #ThisFlag viral videos.
In court today Mawarire's lawyer Harrison Nkomo argued that the man of the cloth was practicing his freedom of expression and is thus protected by the country's constitution.
The state prosecutor however labeled Mawarire as a "celebrated terrorist" who was a flight risk.
When passing judgement the High court Judge said Mawarire could have stayed away but he chose to return to Zimbabwe and that renders him not a flight risk.
The Judge said the state evidence was very weak and the "applicant is a suitable bail candidate" who is likely not to abscond.
Mawarire was granted $300 bail, ordered to surrender his passport and to report twice a week to police.
Mawarire was arrested last week at the Harare International Airport upon his arrival from USA.
He is being accused of trying to overthrow government and insulting the national flag through his #ThisFlag viral videos.
In court today Mawarire's lawyer Harrison Nkomo argued that the man of the cloth was practicing his freedom of expression and is thus protected by the country's constitution.
The state prosecutor however labeled Mawarire as a "celebrated terrorist" who was a flight risk.
When passing judgement the High court Judge said Mawarire could have stayed away but he chose to return to Zimbabwe and that renders him not a flight risk.
The Judge said the state evidence was very weak and the "applicant is a suitable bail candidate" who is likely not to abscond.
Mawarire was granted $300 bail, ordered to surrender his passport and to report twice a week to police.
Source - Byo24News
