The Zimbabwean pastor behind the famous #ThisFlag movement was on Wednesday acquitted of subversion charges in a case many perceived to be a measure of independence of the justice system under new President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Evan Mawarire was a critic of Robert Mugabe’s rule, speaking out against rampant government corruption.
He first came into the international spotlight in April 2016 after he posted spoken-word videos on Facebook and other social media platforms.
“If I have crossed the line, then I believe it was long overdue. I’m not a politician, I’m not an activist…just a citizen #ThisFlag,” Mawarire wrote at the time on his Facebook page.
The pastor then went ahead to call on Zimbabweans to reclaim their flag and national pride. Via social media, he organized a day-long stay-at-home protest that effectively shut down business major cities.
Following his acquittal on Wednesday, the 39-year-old praised the ruling, saying it could be an indicator of a freer Zimbabwe.
“This could be evidence of a freer Zimbabwe but this case had no legs to stand on. I think a lot more needs to be seen to determine whether this is a free judiciary going forward,” he told reporters.
He took his joy to social media, where he thanked Zimbabweans for their prayers an asked them to build a better country.
My fellow citizens it is my absolute pleasure to inform you that I have been acquitted of all charges. Thank you for your prayers and support. Let’s joing hands in building a better Zimbabwe #ThisFlag pic.twitter.com/ohFsOfnstk
— Evan Mawarire (@PastorEvanLive) November 29, 2017
Zimbabwe experienced a change in leadership for the first time in 37 years last week after President Mugabe resigned following a military takeover.
Emmerson Mnangagwa – who Mugabe has sacked earlier – returned to become the country’s second President, albeit on a caretaker basis until elections are conducted in 2018.
