Staff ReporterThe UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed fears that the authorities in Zimbabwe are using coronavirus restrictions as an excuse to restrict freedom of expression and assembly.
A spokeswoman quoted reports of police using force to disperse and arrest nurses and health workers for infringing lockdown measures, as they protested over pay and working conditions.
She also said there was concern over the arrest on Monday of a freelance journalist, Hopewell Chin’ono, for allegedly inciting violence, after he tweeted his support for planned protests against corruption and worsening economic conditions.
The call for nationwide demonstrations on 31 July came from an opposition leader, Jacob Ngarivhume, who has also been detained on similar charges.
