A Zimbabwe businessman who police say insulted President Robert Mugabe has been arrested under tough security laws that bar any remarks ”undermining the authority or insulting” the 82-year-old leader.
Tichaona Muchabaiwa, a director at a local fuel-supply business, was arrested on the weekend on charges of uttering abusive words about Mugabe after being stopped at a police checkpoint, the official Herald newspaper reported on Tuesday.
Muchabaiwa, in custody, is expected to appear in court on Wednesday. A conviction could bring up to two years in jail, although in practice most cases result in suspended sentences or requirements for public service.
”The suspect was very uncooperative, abusive and made derogatory remarks against the president of Zimbabwe,” police spokesperson Andrew Phiri said.
Critics say Mugabe, in power since independence from Britain, is using security laws to deflect criticism amid a growing economic crisis that has seen inflation and unemployment skyrocket. — Reuters