President Donald Trump’s administration has raised concern over the deterioration of human rights situation in Zimbabwe, following the jailing of two prominent clerics critical to Mugabe’s leadership, News 24 reports.
According to the report, the US embassy in Harare issued a statement condemning the arrest of evangelical pastors Evan Mawarire and Philip Patrick Mugadza, stating that freedom of expression was now under attack in Zimbabwe.
Spokesperson of the US embassy in Harare, David Mcguire, described the arrest of Mawarire and Mugadza as “unwarranted”.
“The US government unequivocally believes in the basic right of freedom of speech and calls on the government of Zimbabwe to respect the human rights of all Zimbabweans which are enshrined in the constitution. We believe that the basic right of Zimbabweans to freedom of speech – be it in public, through print media or social media – should be protected within and outside Zimbabwe’s borders,” said Mcguire, News 24 reports
Mawarire was arrested last week at the Harare International Airport while he returned from the United States. He is charged with attempting to subvert Mugabe’s government and faces 20 years in jail.
Mugadza continues to be incarcerated following his prophecy that Mugabe would die on October 17 this year.
Trump has earlier made remarks that world dictators should reform of leave office.
