Court to issue verdict on Zimbabwe author's case

A Harare court is scheduled to rule on the case against acclaimed writer and filmmaker Tsitsi Dangarembga on Thursday.

Dangarembga was detained for carrying signs advocating for political reforms during anti-corruption protests in the Zimbabwean capital Harare in July 2020.

Julie Barnes, another woman who was jailed with her, is suspected of breaching coronavirus protocols and encouraging public violence; both women reject these accusations.

If found guilty, the pair may spend several years in prison.

According to rights organizations, the prosecution is a part of a wider campaign against activists and government critics.