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Magistrate defers ruling on photojournalist's application for refusal of further remand
MISA-Zimbabwe
March 23, 2009

A ruling on an application for refusal of further remand of detained freelance photojournalist, Anderson Shadreck Manyere was on 23 March 2009 deferred to 24 March 2009 by Harare Magistrate Gloria Takundwa.

Appearing for the accused, prominent human rights lawyer, Alec Muchadehama argued that there was no justification for Manyere's continued remand. He argued that, because the accused had to date not been indicted, pointed to the apparent lack of conviction by the State in its own case.

Muchadehama also cited that the proposal by the State to remand the accused to 30 April was unacceptable. He also made reference to the bail conditions of Manyere's co-accused which compel them to report to police stations twice a day, noting that the state could always proceed by way of summons.

However, the State represented by Tawanda Zvekare contended that the proposed remand date was not unreasonable, considering the gravity of the charges being preferred against the accused persons.

Background

Manyere is charged under Section 23 (1), (2) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act which criminalises acts of insurgence, banditry, sabotage or terrorism or alternatively Section 143 of the same Act which relates to aggravating circumstances in relation to malicious damage to property.

Manyere made a bail application to the High Court on 19 February 2009 which was dismissed by Justice Yunis Omerjee. He has however been granted leave to apply to the Supreme Court but his case is still to be heard.

To date, Manyere continues to languish behind bars at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison.

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