APA-Harare (Zimbabwe) Zimbabwean lawmakers on Wednesday passed a law that seeks to penalise nationals whose actions are seen as allegedly damaging to the country’s interests.
The Criminal Law Codification and Reform Amendment Act (Criminal Code) was passed amid objections from opposition parliamentarians.
Often referred to as the Patriotic Act, the new law is targeted at Zimbabweans who are seen as working with foreign governments to harm the country.
It contains a clause that criminalises “wilfully damaging the sovereignty and national interests of Zimbabwe”.
Punishable actions would include having meetings with officials of hostile foreign governments whose objectives would be to discuss punitive measures against the country, the overthrow of the government or military intervention.
Those found guilty would, among other things, be charged with treason and would be liable to up to 10 years in prison.
Other penalties would include having the citizenship being revoked for those found guilty of hurting the country’s interests, as well as the withdrawal of the right to hold public office or to vote for up to 15 years.
JN/APA