Zimbabwe: treason charges dropped, but trial to go on

The Zimbabwean state has dropped the most serious charges against six activists who faced the death penalty for treason.

They now face the lesser charge of “subverting a constitutional government”—but this still carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. Their trial begins on 18 July.

Their bail conditions have also been relaxed—they have to report to the police once a month instead of three times a week.

The six, including former MP Munyaradzi Gwisai, were among more than 40 people arrested on 19 February for watching a video about the revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia.

Keep up the international pressure and solidarity to get all of the charges dropped.

Donate to the solidarity fund.

Account Name: CDL–MINE–LINE Worker Solidarity Fund.

Deposit reference: Zimbabwe Treason Trialists Solidarity Fund.

Bank: NEDBANK, Killarney Branch, PO Box 87157, Houghton, 2041, South Africa. Branch code: 191 60535

Current account number: 100 185 3784. SWIFT code: NEDSZAJJ.

Please email with details of what you have deposited to [email protected]