Zimbabwe: Human Rights Watchdog Demands Charges Against Activist Bhekimpilo Mbedzi Be Dropped

What the report says

Amnesty International has urged Zimbabwean authorities to drop charges against political activist Bhekimpilo Mbedzi, who was arrested after calling for protests against Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3. According to the report published by New Zimbabwe and distributed by AllAfrica, Mbedzi was detained on July 15 after allegedly posting a social media video that backed demonstrations against the constitutional changes.

The article says Mbedzi was later granted bail by the High Court after spending weeks in custody, but he still faces a charge of inciting an unlawful gathering. The state reportedly argues that he did not notify the relevant authorities about the planned event. Amnesty International said the case amounts to punishment for peaceful expression and asked for all charges to be withdrawn unconditionally.

The report also notes wider criticism from opposition groups and human rights organizations, which say the arrest reflects shrinking democratic space in Zimbabwe. It places the case in the context of controversy over Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3, which extended the terms of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Parliament. The article says activists and civil society groups had planned a peaceful march on July 31 to oppose the amendments, while Amnesty raised concerns about reported intimidation and violence during the public hearings and around related protests.