News / National
Don't insult Mugabe, Zimbabwean based UK citizens advised
04 Dec 2014 at 10:04hrs | Views
THE unpredictable Zanu-PF Congress has prompted foreign government to issue strong warnings to their citizens based in Zimbabwe saying they must at all costs avoid behavior that might land them in murky water especially insulting President Mugabe - which by Zimbabwean law is a punishable offence.
The United Kingdom (UK) yesterday issued a travel warning to its citizens in Zimbabwe, warning they may be forced to leave at a short notice, citing an unpredictable political environment as the Zanu PF congress kicks off.
The UK said the political situation remained unpredictable and warned its citizens to avoid large gatherings and demonstrations to ensure their safety.
"Zimbabwe's ruling party will be holding their national congress in Harare from December 3 to 6 2014," the notice posted on the UK government website reads.
"You should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media," reads in part a travel warning update posted on the UK government website.
"If you're living in Zimbabwe, keep your security arrangements under close review, make sure your travel documents are up to date and readily available and have a contingency plan in place in case you need to leave at short notice."
The UK then listed a number of activities that its nationals should be wary of while in Zimbabwe.
"It is an offence to make derogatory or insulting comments about President (Robert) Mugabe or to carry material considered to be offensive to the president's office," the notice reads.
"An open hand is the political symbol of the opposition, MDC-T and a friendly wave may, therefore, be misinterpreted.
"Active European Union measures remain in place against two individuals and one entity.
"The issue remains highly charged politically and retaliation against British and European companies can't be ruled out."
Zanu-PF's congress kicked off on Tuesday, amid claims that there was a plot by Vice-President Joice Mujuru, Cabinet ministers and other party members to assassinate President Robert Mugabe.
The UK advisory notice urged its citizens to be always wary because of "thefts and smash and grab robberies," while also saying travel to farming areas was dangerous.
The United Kingdom (UK) yesterday issued a travel warning to its citizens in Zimbabwe, warning they may be forced to leave at a short notice, citing an unpredictable political environment as the Zanu PF congress kicks off.
The UK said the political situation remained unpredictable and warned its citizens to avoid large gatherings and demonstrations to ensure their safety.
"Zimbabwe's ruling party will be holding their national congress in Harare from December 3 to 6 2014," the notice posted on the UK government website reads.
"You should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media," reads in part a travel warning update posted on the UK government website.
"If you're living in Zimbabwe, keep your security arrangements under close review, make sure your travel documents are up to date and readily available and have a contingency plan in place in case you need to leave at short notice."
"It is an offence to make derogatory or insulting comments about President (Robert) Mugabe or to carry material considered to be offensive to the president's office," the notice reads.
"An open hand is the political symbol of the opposition, MDC-T and a friendly wave may, therefore, be misinterpreted.
"Active European Union measures remain in place against two individuals and one entity.
"The issue remains highly charged politically and retaliation against British and European companies can't be ruled out."
Zanu-PF's congress kicked off on Tuesday, amid claims that there was a plot by Vice-President Joice Mujuru, Cabinet ministers and other party members to assassinate President Robert Mugabe.
The UK advisory notice urged its citizens to be always wary because of "thefts and smash and grab robberies," while also saying travel to farming areas was dangerous.
Source - Online
