Bulawayo Magistrate has dismissed MDC’s urgent appeal on the prohibition order the police served the party against the Bulawayo demonstrations that were scheduled to start at 1000 hours on Monday (today). The protest was banned on Saturday.
The ban was preceded by another ban on the party’s other demonstration that was scheduled for the 16th of August.
Meanwhile, the MDC describes the bans on the demonstrations as an attack on democracy as they infringe upon Constitutional rights including the right to demonstrate, freedom of assembly, association and expression.
The opposition party wanted to protest against the state of affairs which is not inspiring for the past 24 months.
The country has a deficit in fuel, food, potable water, electricity, medicines and a plethora of other basics. MDC attributes all these ills to the government’s mishandling of the economy.
The bans on the demonstrations also coincided with the conviction of an outspoken traditional leader, Chief Nhlanhla Ndiweni on charges of vandalism of property.
Some commentators have viewed his incarceration as a political move since he has been a staunch critic of the government.
More: CITE