News:Latest on Pastor Evan Mawarire's Court Case

Mawarire was arrested after he handed himself over for questioning at Harare Central Police Station on Tuesday 12 July 2016. He was charged with Section 36 of the Criminal Law (Codification and reform) Act Chapter 9:23. for "inciting public violence and disturbing peace". He is set to appear in court today.

• 10:00am

This Flag Movement coordinator Pastor Evan Mawarire is expected to appear in Magistrate Court 6 in Harare at 11 am today. There is heavy police presence outside the court as well as ordinary Zimbabweans with flags as scarfs who have appeared in solidarity with Mawarire. One hundred human rights lawyers have reportedly turned out to represent him.

• 10:29am

Reports are that Pastor Evan came to court but was taken back under unclear circumstances. The assumption is that the crowd that came in solidarity is too large for police to control in case things turn violent.

• 10:35am

Former journalist Jestina Mukoko who was abducted once and People First spokesperson Jealousy Mawarire have come in support of Mawarire. Tajamuka/Sesjikile Campaign spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi tells police to practice restraint.

Promise Mkwananzi and Jealous Mawarire

• 10:40am

Unconfirmed reports are that the venue for the trial has been changed to the University of Zimbabwe Great Hall.

• 11.05am

There is still no sign of Mawarire who was scheduled to appear in court at 11 o'clock. There is no confirmation yet concerning the change of venue for the trial.

• 11:20

Pastor Evan arrives at the court in a white corolla with tinted windows. The courtroom is packed with people who have come in support of the cleric.

• 11;42am

Police deny people entry into the court room that Mawarire is allegedly in.

• 11:51am

Riot police controlling people as hundreds of people wait outside. Nelson Chamisa and Okay Machisa are part of the crowd at Rotten Row.

Nelson Chamisa at Rotten Row

• 11:54am

Police covering entrance

Anti-riot police close the entrance to Court 6.

• 12:23pm

Magistrate supposed to be presiding over the case not yet in.

• 12:37pm

Investigating officer has left docket at Harare Central Police Station and has gone back for it.

• 13:00

Court has been postponed till 1415hrs. Shingi Munyeza, Tudor Bismark and other pastors have turned up to show solidarity to His Generation Pastor Evan Mawarire.

• 14:28

Police to have the charges changed to subverting a constitutionally elected government, according Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.

• 14:50

People sit down as they wait for the trial to begin. Pastor Evan is still in the holding cells.

• 15:02

Mawarire now in court. Proceedings have began.

• 15:08

Mawarire's lawyer Harrison Nkomo has complained about unprofessionalism and an ambush by the State. He submitted that his client was not formally cautioned of the charges he is being dragged to court for. Mawarire is donning a Zimbabwe Flag in the court. Nkomo says the accused is unlawfully in court.

• 15:14

The State has opposed bail and advised Mawarire to go to the High Court arguing its now a 3rd Schedule crime.

• 15:50

Lawyer urges the magistrate to immediately release Mawarire. He makes reference to Jestina Mukoko's case. The State prosecutor has asked for a 10 minutes adjournment and is not back after 25 minutes. Magistrate is still waiting.

• 16:06

State argues that "we have presented sufficient facts for accused to be placed on remand, his arrest and court appearance is legal."

• 16:27

Defence lawyer Harrison Nkomo has been asked by the magistrate to go and address supporters outside the court.

• 16:34

Mawarire's lawyer, Harrison Nkomo addresses people and says they have only 20-30 minutes.

• 16:35

Magistrate is back, demands to see the warned and cautioned statement relating to the latest charge.

• 16:45

State says there is no 'warned and cautioned' statement for the fresh charges as the facts are the same as those for the initial charge

• 16:54

Court adjourns. Ruling at 17:30hrs.

• 17:11

People outside are on their knees praying for Pastor Evan Mawarire.

• 17:49

People have gathered at the door singing songs

• 18:20

People are still waiting by the entrance singing and dancing despite the cold weather.

• 19:02

The riot police have left court. Pastor Evan Mawarire has not yet appeared outside of the courtroom.

• 19:11

Evan Mawarire has been let out. People are rejoicing. Read the verdict here.The procedure required for his release has began.

• 19:35

Mawarire has come out with his flag and bible is addressing everyone that had gathered for his trial. He thanked everyone for showing support and reminded everyone that they are building a country for their children

• 19:45

People disperse after Mawarire's address. People are waving their flags and honking their horns in jubilation. People have surrounded Mawarire's vehicle as he is leaving, shouting "Pastor! Pastor!".

Know more about Pastor Evan Mawarire. Click here to read his profile.

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