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Political cctivists to reclaim seized gadgets
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Magistrate Rufaro Panavanhu yesterday issued a ruling instructing the police to return electronic devices seized from three human rights activists who were apprehended at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport while en route to a meeting in Victoria Falls.
The activists - Namatai Kwekweza, Robson Chere, and Samuel Gwenzi - were removed from a flight by suspected State security agents on allegations that they had protested outside the Harare Magistrates Court against the arrest and continued detention of several opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) members.
In her ruling, Magistrate Panavanhu noted that the activists could collect their gadgets, which included cellphones, from the investigating officer at the police station. She ruled that the devices, which might not be used during the trial, should be returned to their owners.
Defence lawyer Tinashe Chinopfukutwa confirmed that he would file an application for exemption from the charges on Friday this week. The activists were initially denied bail but were later granted their release by the High Court.
The State had opposed bail, arguing that the activists posed a flight risk and could potentially commit further offences or cause public unrest.
In their testimony, Kwekweza, Chere, and Gwenzi claimed they were held incommunicado and subjected to torture for several hours following their dramatic arrest at the airport.
The case was remanded to December 9 for a ruling on the application for exemption, as legal proceedings continue to unfold.
The activists - Namatai Kwekweza, Robson Chere, and Samuel Gwenzi - were removed from a flight by suspected State security agents on allegations that they had protested outside the Harare Magistrates Court against the arrest and continued detention of several opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) members.
In her ruling, Magistrate Panavanhu noted that the activists could collect their gadgets, which included cellphones, from the investigating officer at the police station. She ruled that the devices, which might not be used during the trial, should be returned to their owners.
Defence lawyer Tinashe Chinopfukutwa confirmed that he would file an application for exemption from the charges on Friday this week. The activists were initially denied bail but were later granted their release by the High Court.
The State had opposed bail, arguing that the activists posed a flight risk and could potentially commit further offences or cause public unrest.
In their testimony, Kwekweza, Chere, and Gwenzi claimed they were held incommunicado and subjected to torture for several hours following their dramatic arrest at the airport.
The case was remanded to December 9 for a ruling on the application for exemption, as legal proceedings continue to unfold.
Source - newsday
