Free speech wins as Zimbabwe court strikes down parts of Patriotic Act
Zimbabwe’s High Court has ruled that key parts of a controversial law known as the Patriotic Act are unconstitutional.
The law, passed in July 2023, made it a crime to harm what the state defines as the “sovereignty and national interest of Zimbabwe,” with penalties including life imprisonment, the death penalty, and loss of citizenship.
Critics said the law targeted human rights activists and civil society groups, especially those who speak out against the government in international forums or seek outside support for justice.
The court agreed, saying the harsh punishments in section 22A (3) violate rights guaranteed by Zimbabwe’s Constitution, such as freedom of expression, association, and the right to participate in public life.
The case was brought by the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe and citizen Zenzele Ndebele, who argued that the law was vague, overly broad, and open to abuse. They warned it would silence opposing views and limit democratic freedoms.
The Patriotic Act has drawn strong criticism since its approval, with groups including the United Nations human rights office and Human Rights Watch saying it poses a serious threat to civil liberties.
Despite the court’s ruling, human rights organisations are calling on the government to fully repeal the law, warning that other parts still violate international rights standards.
Zimbabwe’s government has not yet said whether it will challenge the ruling or change the remaining sections of the act.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
