Tafadzwa Mugwadi, the spokesman for the ruling ZANU-PF party says Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono’s arrest is justified because he issued statements encouraging people to revolt against Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Speaking to Simba Chikanza of Zimeye, Mugwadi said Chinono is a criminal and a violator of the law hence he should be prosecuted.
Mugwadi citing Hopewell statement “If we had a battle in the streets and there is bloodshed and people end up fighting we will have a national transitional authority” said the words are proof enough for the journalist to be charged for inciting violence.
Mugwadi said Chinono will not be at the forefront but he is trying to mobilise innocent Zimbabweans to sacrifice themselves.
Mugwadi said human rights groups and Western embassies in Zimbabwe calling for the release of Chin’ono be ignored.
“Honestly, on what basis does somebody call for insurrection, sedition and treasonous demonstrations on 31 July at a time the president has pronounced measures to fight COVID-19 and its spreading and then you say that person must be released? We don’t operate that way. Those who wish to be affected by the law must respect the law first. If you violate the law the consequences are clear,” he said.
