Zimbabwe opposition members in court over violence

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Europe

02:06

Twenty-four members of Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) appeared in court Saturday on violence charges after six people were killed in post-election protests that were met by a military crackdown.

Defense lawyer Denford Halimani said the 16 men and eight women that had been caught up are "completely innocent."

"Definitely, our clients have nothing to do with whatever is alleged to have occurred on the day in question," the lawyer added.

Supporters of the newly re-elected Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, celebrate in Mbare, a district of the Zimbabwean capital Harare, August 3, 2018. /VCG Photo

If found guilty, these opposition members will face up to ten years in jail.

Prosecutors said the accused were positively identified by police and that witnesses would testify against them.

Water cannon and more than a dozen anti-riot police were stationed outside the perimeter of the courthouse while others remained camped outside the MDC headquarters.

Three of the victims from Wednesday’s clashes were buried on Saturday, the MDC said.

Supporters of the newly re-elected Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, celebrate in Mbare, a district of the Zimbabwean capital Harare, August 3, 2018. /VCG Photo

Mnangagwa on Friday urged Zimbabweans to unite after he was declared the first elected head of state since Mugabe’s removal from power, while the MDC leader Nelson Chamisa insisted he had won and pledged to challenge the result.

On Saturday, Chamisa said he was aware of his supporters’ anxieties and that he carried their hopes and aspirations.

“You voted but they cheated. Over 2.5 million votes can’t be ignored. We’re doing all to secure your vote (and) defend your WILL. Change is coming,” he wrote on Twitter.

Source(s): AFP