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Mawarire indicted for trial

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SOCIAL activist Evan Mawarire of #ThisFlag campaign platform, has been indicted for trial at the High Court on September 25 for alleged subversion.

SOCIAL activist Evan Mawarire of #ThisFlag campaign platform, has been indicted for trial at the High Court on September 25 for alleged subversion.

BY DESMOND CHINGARANDE

Harare magistrate Barbara Chimboza announced the trial date yesterday after Mawarire’s lawyer Harrison Nkomo had applied for refusal of further remand on many occasions, citing the State’s unpreparedness to commence the process.

The State alleges that sometime between July and December last year, Mawarire used social media platforms to incite members of the public to revolt against President Robert Mugabe’s government.

As a result, several people allegedly heeded his call and embarked on job stayaways and public demonstrations denouncing government over its failed economic policies.

After the protests, Mawarire allegedly took to social media to thank disgruntled Zimbabweans particularly the youths who had heeded his call.

The State further alleges that despite warnings, Mawarire continued circulating videos on social media platforms in which he incited Zimbabweans to stage demonstrations which rocked most parts of the country from August last year to January this year.

On September 15, Mawarire allegedly mobilised a group of protesters who doorstepped Mugabe at the United Nations General Assembly in New York and called for his immediate resignation.

It is the State’s case that Mawarire should have foreseen that there was a real risk or possibility that his actions might lead to violent demonstrations.

Michael Reza appeared for the State.