By Staff Writer
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa Friday finally signed the Patriotic Bill into law effectively choosing to ignore both local and international backlash against the highly criticized legal instrument.
The confirmation published in the Government Gazette’s General Notice 1189 of 2023 brings the long debated issue to grinding halt.
“The following laws which were assented to by His Excellency the President, are published in terms of Section 131 (6) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe-
“1.Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Act, 2023 (No.10 of 2023) and 2.Labour Amendment Act ,2023 (no 11 of 2023),” the notice reads in part.
The Patriotic Act which criminalizes wilfully injuring the sovereignty and national interest of Zimbabwe,
The Act has attracted criticism over interpretational issues on what exactly consists willfully injuring the sovereignty and national interests amid fears such clauses may be contested and abused by the powers that be.
The Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Act has been perceived by rights as an instrument meant to punish Zanu-PF critics .
Already described as the “draconian law” many fear the instrument will be seized to close the space for free speech as well as a direct violation of the Zimbabwean constitution .
However, government has dismissed the fears, instead arguing the legislative instrument is amed at protecting the country’s image by placing a premium on elements in the habit of unjustifiably tarnishing the country’s image.
