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Arsenal fans win police clearance for Harare street parade
7 hrs ago |
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The Arsenal Fans Harare Chapter has been granted police clearance to hold an end-of-season parade and gathering in central Harare on May 31, celebrating what supporters describe as the club's first league title in 22 years and a potential double.
According to a letter dated May 22 from Harare Central District Police headquarters, signed by Superintendent S. Mbimbi on behalf of the Officer Commanding Police, the supporters' group is authorised to proceed with the procession.
The parade will start at Harare Gardens, move along Herbert Chitepo Street and Prince Edward Street, and end at Alexandra Sports Club, where fans are expected to gather between 2pm and 5pm.
The celebration comes just hours after Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final on May 30, with supporters hoping the event will mark a historic season double.
However, the approval has drawn commentary from legal and civic voices questioning consistency in how public gatherings are regulated in Zimbabwe.
Rights lawyer Obey Shava said the clearance highlighted a contradiction in the application of public order laws, arguing that permissions are often unevenly granted.
"I'm Arsenal. I should be on the streets with others, but the rights lawyer in me can't ignore the contradiction," he wrote on X, noting that other groups have faced restrictions under similar legal requirements.
Zimbabwe's Public Order and Security legislation requires organisers to notify police before public gatherings, a framework critics say is sometimes used to block political or activist events.
The Arsenal supporters' parade reflects the club's growing popularity in Zimbabwe and across Africa, where it has built a large following over decades through Premier League broadcasts and the influence of former players such as Nwankwo Kanu, Kolo Touré and Emmanuel Adebayor.
Globally, Arsenal's fan base has expanded well beyond England, with celebrations and fan gatherings regularly taking place across Africa following key fixtures and seasons.
According to a letter dated May 22 from Harare Central District Police headquarters, signed by Superintendent S. Mbimbi on behalf of the Officer Commanding Police, the supporters' group is authorised to proceed with the procession.
The parade will start at Harare Gardens, move along Herbert Chitepo Street and Prince Edward Street, and end at Alexandra Sports Club, where fans are expected to gather between 2pm and 5pm.
The celebration comes just hours after Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final on May 30, with supporters hoping the event will mark a historic season double.
However, the approval has drawn commentary from legal and civic voices questioning consistency in how public gatherings are regulated in Zimbabwe.
"I'm Arsenal. I should be on the streets with others, but the rights lawyer in me can't ignore the contradiction," he wrote on X, noting that other groups have faced restrictions under similar legal requirements.
Zimbabwe's Public Order and Security legislation requires organisers to notify police before public gatherings, a framework critics say is sometimes used to block political or activist events.
The Arsenal supporters' parade reflects the club's growing popularity in Zimbabwe and across Africa, where it has built a large following over decades through Premier League broadcasts and the influence of former players such as Nwankwo Kanu, Kolo Touré and Emmanuel Adebayor.
Globally, Arsenal's fan base has expanded well beyond England, with celebrations and fan gatherings regularly taking place across Africa following key fixtures and seasons.
Source - zimlive
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