A Zimbabwean court has denied bail to nearly 100 individuals arrested for allegedly taking part in a protest against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership.
The 95 men and women were detained on March 31 during a small demonstration in central Harare, organized by Blessed Geza, a veteran of the ruling ZANU-PF party who has publicly called for Mnangagwa to step down. Authorities charged them with breaching the peace and participating in gatherings with the intent to incite public violence—offenses that carry prison terms of up to five years.
In his ruling, Magistrate Isheunesu Matova cited public safety concerns, stating that releasing the group could lead to unrest and the possibility of them regrouping for further protests.
According to the police charge sheet, the detainees range in age from 20 to 63, and none are currently employed. Three others arrested on the same day are already on trial facing similar charges.
Despite only a modest turnout—police estimated about 200 people gathered in the capital—the protest had a wider impact, with many businesses and offices shuttering in multiple cities in anticipation of unrest.
Blessed Geza, who fought in Zimbabwe’s 1980 war of independence, has accused Mnangagwa of attempting to cling to power beyond the end of his term in 2028. Mnangagwa, who took office after ousting long-time leader Robert Mugabe in a 2017 military coup, has faced growing criticism for what opponents describe as increasingly authoritarian tactics, including the use of lengthy prison sentences to silence dissent.
Journalist Blessed Mhlanga has also been jailed since February 24 on charges related to his interviews with Geza, further fueling concerns over press freedom and political repression in the country.
