UK-based Zimbabwean who called for bombings face deportation

A Zimbabwean man residing in the UK, William Chinyanga, 54, is set to be deported to Zimbabwe after serving a prison sentence for incitement to violence. Chinyanga was convicted for live-streaming Facebook videos in December 2019, in which he criticized Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu-PF, and called for attacks on soldiers and police officers.

The videos, which were widely viewed, drew the attention of UK counter-terrorism authorities. Following an investigation, Chinyanga was arrested at his home in north London on February 25, 2020. During questioning, he admitted to posting the incendiary content.

In 2022, Chinyanga was sentenced to prison for his actions, which authorities deemed a threat to public safety. He served his sentence at Wandsworth Prison and has since been transferred to an immigration detention center in preparation for deportation.

Chinyanga's case highlights the growing scrutiny on online platforms and the consequences of using them to promote violence. Critics of the deportation decision argue that Chinyanga could face political persecution upon his return to Zimbabwe, given the nature of his comments and the government he targeted.

Human rights organizations and Chinyanga's legal representatives have expressed concerns about his safety in Zimbabwe, urging the UK government to consider his risk of persecution. However, authorities maintain that his deportation is a necessary step following his conviction.

Chinyanga's deportation process underscores the challenges faced by diaspora activists navigating legal and political consequences in their host and home countries.