ZIM ACTIVIST BARRED FROM VISITING THE US

One of the gay rights activists recently arrested in Zimbabwe has been barred by a state prosecutor from travelling to the US.

Ellen Chademana, a Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ) employee, was arrested along with Ignatius Mhambi on May 21 following a raid by police on the organisation’s offices in Harare.

She is currently out on bail.

Her lawyer David Hofisi, of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), asked the courts to allow her to attend a six day training course on non-violent conflict at Tufts University, near Boston, later this month.

She would return in time for the start of her trial on the 1st of July to face charges of possession of pornographic material. The trip and her flights had been confirmed before her arrest.

Magistrate Ndirowei ruled last week Thursday that Chademana had furnished the court with good reasons to travel abroad and granted her application.

However, State Prosecutor Zvenyika then invoked Section 121 of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, which, she said, allows the state to reverse the court’s order.

Under their bail conditions Chademana and Mhambi must report twice a week to the Drugs Section at Harare Central Police Station.

They have also surrendered their passports and may not travel more than 40 kilometres outside of Harare without the authority of the investigating officer.