Parliament passes Patriotic Bill

Harare (New Ziana)-The National Assembly on Wednesday passed the Criminal Law Amendment Bill which criminalises “wilfully damaging the sovereignty and national interest of Zimbabwe” by 99 votes and 17 against.

According to parliamentary watchdog, Veritas, the Patriotic Act seeks to criminalise any person who engages with officials or embassies of foreign governments without prior government authorisation.

Posting on her Twitter account, Citizens Coalition for Change legislator for Harare West Joanah Mamombe said it was unfortunate that the bill was passed.

“The Patriotic Bill was passed by Parliament last night despite our spirited opposition as legislators. Unfortunately, ZANU PF has the majority that voted for its passing.

“The bill seeks to undermine the fundamental principles of freedom of association and assembly, and threatens to stifle free speech. It is important that the government ensures that the rights and freedoms of all citizens are protected and upheld, creating an inclusive and democratic society for all,” she posted.

The government believes that there is nothing controversial about the law, drawing comparisons with the Logan Act in the United States, which criminalises negotiation by unauthorised American citizens with foreign governments having a dispute with the United States.

The patriotism aspects of the bill had been mooted for some time after it emerged that some opposition officials went around the world begging for Zimbabwe to be slapped with sanctions in order for citizens to suffer so that they could revolt against the government.

New Ziana