A key opposition figure in Zimbabwe Tendai Biti has been charged for inciting post-election violence.
He appeared in court on Thursday facing charges over his role in violence linked to last week’s post-election unrest.
The former finance minister and opposition leader was earlier deported from Zambia to his home country.
He had been arrested at the border with Zambia on Wednesday while trying to cross over to seek asylum.
The opposition leader said in court that “They wanted to abduct me (on Wednesday), I was terrified.” Biti is leader of People’s Democratic Party.
His party formed an election alliance with opposition leader Nelson Chamisa’s Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).
#Zimbabwe Tendai Biti arrives at Harare Magistrates court
Video credit @cyrusnhara_4787 pic.twitter.com/uedkGGDEgM— harumutasa/aljazeera (@harumutasa) August 9, 2018
President Mnangagwa has commented on the issue saying “Tendai Biti was released earlier today following my intervention”
#Zimbabwe Tendai Biti at Magistrates court in Harare
Video credit @cyrusnhara_4787 pic.twitter.com/oRjqm6PBag— harumutasa/aljazeera (@harumutasa) August 9, 2018
“Equally important, however, is an adherence to the rule of law. I repeat – no one is above the law. Thus due to the serious nature of the allegations of incitement, due process will continue”
“I call on all parties to immediately cease from all forms of incitement to violence, and to conduct all activities solely within the framework of the law. All Zimbabweans must join us now in striving for unity, peace and reconciliation. Peace is paramount,” Mnangagwa wrote in a statement on Twitter.
STATEMENT ON RELEASE OF TENDAI BITI
Tendai Biti was released earlier today following my intervention.
At such a crucial time in the history of the new Zimbabwe, nothing is more important than unity, peace and dialogue. (1/3)
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) August 9, 2018
Equally important, however, is an adherence to the rule of law. I repeat – no one is above the law. Thus due to the serious nature of the allegations of incitement, due process will continue. (2/3)
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) August 9, 2018
I call on all parties to immediately cease from all forms of incitement to violence, and to conduct all activities solely within the framework of the law. All Zimbabweans must join us now in striving for unity, peace and reconciliation. Peace is paramount. (3/3)
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) August 9, 2018
Searching for ‘trouble makers’
The Zimbabwe police unit mounted a search for Biti and other opposition activists for allegedly inciting their members to protest last week.
The opposition MDC supporters were disputing the presidential election results which confirmed President Emmerson Mnangagwa as winner.
Police are now searching for nine senior officials of the opposition MDC Alliance with a warrant issued for them.
Six peopled died last week when opposition supporters clashed with soldiers who shot into them resulting in the deaths.
Zimbabwe prosecutors are blaming the opposition for the deaths.
Charges in court
Apart from the post election violence charge, Biti is also facing charges of falsely and unlawfully announcing results of the election.
He is to surrender title deeds to his house and his passport. Biti has also been banned from addressing political rallies or speaking to the media until the case is over.
Biti faces up to 10 years in jail, a cash fine or both if found guilty.
Source: Africafeeds.com
