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A Zimbabwe court has granted bail to six activists accused of plotting a popular uprising against President Robert Mugabe.
The suspects are charged with treason for watching video of protests in Egypt and Tunisia that toppled the leaders of those countries.
During the bail hearing on Wednesday, Judge Samuel Kudya called the prosecution's case weak and said he had not seen an “iota” of evidence showing the suspects were planning an uprising.
The activists, including former opposition lawmaker Munyaradzi Gwisai, say the video was part of an academic discussion. Prosecutors claim it was meant to inspire protests against Mr. Mugabe.
The judge released the suspects on $2,000 bail. They are due back in court on March 21.
Treason is punishable by death in Zimbabwe.
Earlier this month, a Zimbabwe court dropped treason charges against 39 activists who were arrested along with the six suspects on February 19. During that hearing, the judge said prosecutors had failed to prove their case.
The 87-year-old president has ruled the former British colony since it became independent in 1980.
Mr. Mugabe was forced into a power-sharing government with Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai after a disputed presidential election in 2008. Since then, the longtime rivals have been at odds and the country's political future remains uncertain.
Mr. Mugabe has called for elections later this year over the objections of Mr. Tsvangirai, who says Zimbabwe must first ensure that conditions are in place for a free and fair election.
The suspects are charged with treason for watching video of protests in Egypt and Tunisia that toppled the leaders of those countries.
During the bail hearing on Wednesday, Judge Samuel Kudya called the prosecution's case weak and said he had not seen an “iota” of evidence showing the suspects were planning an uprising.
The activists, including former opposition lawmaker Munyaradzi Gwisai, say the video was part of an academic discussion. Prosecutors claim it was meant to inspire protests against Mr. Mugabe.
The judge released the suspects on $2,000 bail. They are due back in court on March 21.
Treason is punishable by death in Zimbabwe.
Earlier this month, a Zimbabwe court dropped treason charges against 39 activists who were arrested along with the six suspects on February 19. During that hearing, the judge said prosecutors had failed to prove their case.
The 87-year-old president has ruled the former British colony since it became independent in 1980.
Mr. Mugabe was forced into a power-sharing government with Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai after a disputed presidential election in 2008. Since then, the longtime rivals have been at odds and the country's political future remains uncertain.
Mr. Mugabe has called for elections later this year over the objections of Mr. Tsvangirai, who says Zimbabwe must first ensure that conditions are in place for a free and fair election.
Source: VOA
Posted in: Society
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