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Gwisai and activists' trial commences
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR)
September 14, 2011

The trial of University of Zimbabwe lecturer and International Socialist Organisation (ISO) general-coordinator Munyaradzi Gwisai and five other social, economic justice and human rights activists, accused of plotting to topple President Robert Mugabe using "Egyptian style" revolts, finally commenced on Wednesday 14 September 2011 at the Harare Regional Courts.

The trial had failed to take off on numerous occasions and for various reasons.

But on Wednesday 14 September 2011, the trial commenced before Magistrate Kudakwashe Jarabini, seven months after the arrest of the activists.

State prosecutor, Edmore Nyazamba, led evidence from the State witness, Rinos Chari who was arrested together with the activists before he was later released while defence lawyer, Alec Muchadehama cross examined the witness.

The trial continues on Thursday 15 September 2011 at 11:15 AM.

The activists namely Gwisai, anti-debt campaigner Hopewell Gumbo, Antonater Choto, the director of the Zimbabwe Labour Centre, student leader Welcome Zimuto, Eddson Chakuma and Tatenda Mombeyarara who were initially charged with committing treason upon their arrest in February are now facing a revised charge of contravening Section 36 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for allegedly conspiring to commit public violence and three other alternative charges.

Gwisai, Gumbo, Choto, Zimuto, Chakuma and Mombeyarara face alternative charges of contravening section 187 as read with section 36 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for allegedly inciting public violence, contravening section 37 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for allegedly participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry and contravening section 37 (1) (c) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for allegedly participating in a gathering with intent to promote violence, breaches of peace or bigotry.

Gwisai and the five social justice and human rights activists were arrested on Saturday 19 February 2011 together with 39 other activists during a constitutional and democracy lecture held in Harare. Harare Magistrate Munamato Mutevedzi freed 39 of the activists.

Prosecutor Nyazamba alleges that the activists delivered speeches during the lecture encouraging participants to mobilize Zimbabweans to revolt against President Mugabe and his government.

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