Most Zimbabwean ministers stayed away from a cabinet meeting on Tuesday called by embattled President Robert Mugabe, who is facing impeachment proceedings, state media reported.

&quot;Cabinet meeting called this morning by President Mugabe failed to take off after Ministers snubbed the sitting,&quot; the state-run Herald news site reported.

Lawmakers of Mugabe&#39;s once-loyal ZANU-PF party were to meet parliamentarians from other parties at 1215 GMT to trigger proceedings that could see the president stripped of office.

The cabinet snub piled further pressure on the embattled president after Emmerson Mnangagwa, the vice president whose removal by Mugabe sparked the military intervention last week, earlier said he would consider returning to Zimbabwe if his safety was guaranteed.

A&nbsp;bubbling factional squabble over the presidential succession erupted two weeks ago when Mugabe fired Mnangagwa.

The dismissal put Mugabe&#39;s wife Grace in prime position to succeed her 93-year-old husband, prompting the military to step in to block her path to the presidency.

'Cabinet meeting called this morning by President Mugabe failed to take off after Ministers snubbed the sitting,' the state-run Herald news site reported

Most Zimbabwean ministers stayed away from a cabinet meeting on Tuesday called by embattled President Robert Mugabe, who is facing impeachment proceedings, state media reported. "Cabinet meeting called this morning by President Mugabe failed to take off after Ministers snubbed the sitting," the state-run Herald news site reported. Lawmakers of Mugabe's once-loyal ZANU-PF party were to meet parliamentarians from other parties at 1215 GMT to trigger proceedings that could see the president stripped of office. The cabinet snub piled further pressure on the embattled president after Emmerson Mnangagwa, the vice president whose removal by Mugabe sparked the military intervention last week, earlier said he would consider returning to Zimbabwe if his safety was guaranteed. A bubbling factional squabble over the presidential succession erupted two weeks ago when Mugabe fired Mnangagwa. The dismissal put Mugabe's wife Grace in prime position to succeed her 93-year-old husband, prompting the military to step in to block her path to the presidency.

Most ministers boycott cabinet meeting called by Mugabe

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe&#39;s letter of resignation has been drafted, CNN reported Monday.&nbsp;

Reuters had reported two government sources as saying late Sunday that Mugabe had agreed to resign.&nbsp;

CNN reported that under the terms of Mugabe&#39;s agreement with the army, he&nbsp;and his wife would be granted full immunity.&nbsp;

CNN was quoting a source familiar with the negotiations between Mugabe and the army.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Under the terms of his agreement with the army, Mugabe and his wife will be granted full immunity

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's letter of resignation has been drafted, CNN reported Monday. Reuters had reported two government sources as saying late Sunday that Mugabe had agreed to resign. CNN reported that under the terms of Mugabe's agreement with the army, he and his wife would be granted full immunity. CNN was quoting a source familiar with the negotiations between Mugabe and the army.

Mugabe's resignation letter drafted: Report

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmavati-row-producers-postpone-films-release-24582">&#39;Padmavati&#39; row: Producers postpone film&#39;s release</a>

Amid the raging protests over &quot;Padmavati&quot;, the film&#39;s co-producers Viacom18 Motion Pictures said Sunday that have postponed the release date of the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wion-exclusive-india-deserved-moodys-upgrade-much-earlier-says-sanjay-baru-24568">WION exclusive: India deserved Moody&#39;s upgrade much earlier, says Sanjaya Baru</a>

In an exclusive interview with WION&#39;s Kartikeya Sharma, Sanjaya Baru, Secretary General, FICCI says that in 1990s, Prime Minister Narasimha Rao was blamed for the setback in the assembly elections as defeats were heaped on reforms. Even today there is a criticism of PM Narendra Modi on hurting the electoral prospects in Gujarat. &nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/top-cop-dismisses-is-claims-on-kashmir-encounter-24581">Top cop dismisses IS claims on Kashmir encounter</a>

Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police SP Vaid on Sunday denied that the Islamic State (IS) had a presence in the state.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ed-sheeran-in-bollywood-bash-hosted-by-farah-khan-24586">Ed Sheeran in Bollywood bash hosted by Farah Khan</a>

The wait of Ed Sheeran performing in Mumbai is finally over. The &quot;Shape of You&quot;&nbsp;singer is all set to perform today at Jio gardens in Mumbai tonight. Just a day before his concert, he was seen&nbsp;partying with many Bollywood celebs, hosted by Farah Khan.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/end-nears-for-mugabe-as-ruling-party-turns-against-him-24584">End nears for Mugabe as ruling party turns against him</a>

President Robert Mugabe faced the imminent collapse of his 37-year regime Sunday, with the once-loyal ZANU-PF party set to sack him as its leader and army generals piling pressure on him to resign.

'Padmavati' row: Producers postpone film's release Amid the raging protests over "Padmavati", the film's co-producers Viacom18 Motion Pictures said Sunday that have postponed the release date of the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film. WION exclusive: India deserved Moody's upgrade much earlier, says Sanjaya Baru In an exclusive interview with WION's Kartikeya Sharma, Sanjaya Baru, Secretary General, FICCI says that in 1990s, Prime Minister Narasimha Rao was blamed for the setback in the assembly elections as defeats were heaped on reforms. Even today there is a criticism of PM Narendra Modi on hurting the electoral prospects in Gujarat. Top cop dismisses IS claims on Kashmir encounter Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police SP Vaid on Sunday denied that the Islamic State (IS) had a presence in the state. Ed Sheeran in Bollywood bash hosted by Farah Khan The wait of Ed Sheeran performing in Mumbai is finally over. The "Shape of You" singer is all set to perform today at Jio gardens in Mumbai tonight. Just a day before his concert, he was seen partying with many Bollywood celebs, hosted by Farah Khan. End nears for Mugabe as ruling party turns against him President Robert Mugabe faced the imminent collapse of his 37-year regime Sunday, with the once-loyal ZANU-PF party set to sack him as its leader and army generals piling pressure on him to resign.

WION evening news brief, November 19, 2017

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/party-set-to-sack-mugabe-zimbabweans-celebrate-expected-downfall-24539" target="_blank">Party set to sack Mugabe, Zimbabweans celebrate expected downfall</a>

Zimbabwe&#39;s ruling party will dismiss President Robert Mugabe on Sunday and reinstate Emmerson Mnangagwa, the vice-president he fired, two party sources told Reuters on Saturday, as ecstatic crowds celebrated the expected downfall. Mugabe&#39;s 37-year rule has been effectively at an end since the army seized control on Wednesday, confining him to his residence, saying it wanted to target the &quot;criminals&quot; around him.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/your-boss-silencing-you-rahul-gandhi-asks-nirmala-sitharaman-24541" target="_blank">Your boss silencing you is &#39;shameful&#39;: Rahul Gandhi to Nirmala Sitharaman</a>

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday&nbsp;hit back at Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over the multi-crore Rafale deal, claiming it was &quot;shameful&quot; that her boss was &quot;silencing&quot; her. Mr Gandhi&#39;s retort comes a day after Ms Sitharaman alleged that it was shameful on part of the Congress to raise objections on the fighter aircraft deal. He also asked her whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken permission from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) before announcing the purchase of the Rafale fighter aircraft in Paris.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-pm-manmohan-singh-to-get-indira-gandhi-peace-prize-24545" target="_blank">Former prime minister Manmohan Singh to get Indira Gandhi peace prize</a>

&quot;The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development is awarded to Manmohan Singh for his leadership of the country and his achievements during the momentous 10 years from 2004 to 2014, for his contributions to the cause of economic and social development, for improving India&#39;s stature in the world and its relationship with the neighbours and the leading nations of the world, and for his dedication to the security and well being of ordinary citizens regardless of their faith, caste, region or language,&quot; a statement from the Trust&#39;s secretary Suman Dubey said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-to-be-made-congress-president-before-december-5-sources-to-wion-24527" target="_blank">Rahul Gandhi to be made Congress President before December 5: Sources to WION</a>

Sources also said that the elevation is not going to be delayed any further. The CWC is expected to adopt the resolution to make Rahul Gandhi Congress president on Monday which would subsequently be ratified by the All India Congress Committee. As per the rules of the Congress constitution,&nbsp;the final ratification has to be done by the All India Congress Committee (AICC).

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmavati-row-vasundhara-raje-asks-smriti-irani-for-changes-in-film-24535" target="_blank">&#39;Padmavati&#39; row: Vasundhara Raje asks Smriti Irani for changes in film</a>

Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje has written to Information and Broadcasting minister Smriti Irani requesting her that the film &quot;Padmavati&quot; should not be released until some changes are made to it so that it &quot;does not hurt the sentiments of any community&quot;. In her letter, the Rajasthan chief minister has suggested that a committee should be formed to discuss the film and its plot and should suggest amendments.&nbsp;

Party set to sack Mugabe, Zimbabweans celebrate expected downfall Zimbabwe's ruling party will dismiss President Robert Mugabe on Sunday and reinstate Emmerson Mnangagwa, the vice-president he fired, two party sources told Reuters on Saturday, as ecstatic crowds celebrated the expected downfall. Mugabe's 37-year rule has been effectively at an end since the army seized control on Wednesday, confining him to his residence, saying it wanted to target the "criminals" around him. Your boss silencing you is 'shameful': Rahul Gandhi to Nirmala Sitharaman Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday hit back at Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over the multi-crore Rafale deal, claiming it was "shameful" that her boss was "silencing" her. Mr Gandhi's retort comes a day after Ms Sitharaman alleged that it was shameful on part of the Congress to raise objections on the fighter aircraft deal. He also asked her whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken permission from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) before announcing the purchase of the Rafale fighter aircraft in Paris. Former prime minister Manmohan Singh to get Indira Gandhi peace prize "The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development is awarded to Manmohan Singh for his leadership of the country and his achievements during the momentous 10 years from 2004 to 2014, for his contributions to the cause of economic and social development, for improving India's stature in the world and its relationship with the neighbours and the leading nations of the world, and for his dedication to the security and well being of ordinary citizens regardless of their faith, caste, region or language," a statement from the Trust's secretary Suman Dubey said. Rahul Gandhi to be made Congress President before December 5: Sources to WION Sources also said that the elevation is not going to be delayed any further. The CWC is expected to adopt the resolution to make Rahul Gandhi Congress president on Monday which would subsequently be ratified by the All India Congress Committee. As per the rules of the Congress constitution, the final ratification has to be done by the All India Congress Committee (AICC). 'Padmavati' row: Vasundhara Raje asks Smriti Irani for changes in film Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje has written to Information and Broadcasting minister Smriti Irani requesting her that the film "Padmavati" should not be released until some changes are made to it so that it "does not hurt the sentiments of any community". In her letter, the Rajasthan chief minister has suggested that a committee should be formed to discuss the film and its plot and should suggest amendments.

WION Morning News Brief, November 19, 2017

Zimbabwe soldiers blocked thousands of protesters as they tried to march on embattled President Robert Mugabe&#39;s official residence in Harare on Saturday, a&nbsp;correspondent on the scene said.

The demonstrators, participating in nationwide protests calling for the 93-year-old veteran leader to step aside after the army took power earlier this week, staged a sit-down protest in the road after being halted by the troops.

The crowd got within 200 metres (220 yards) of the gates to the complex that has been the nerve centre of Mugabe&#39;s authoritarian rule, as large protests swept through the capital.

&quot;This is not fair. Why are the soldiers preventing us to march to State House?&quot; Rutendo Maisiri, an unemployed 26-year-old woman said. &quot;It is wrong. We will stay put.&quot;

Zimbabwe soldiers blocked thousands of protesters as they tried to march on embattled President Robert Mugabe's official residence in Harare on Saturday

Zimbabwe soldiers blocked thousands of protesters as they tried to march on embattled President Robert Mugabe's official residence in Harare on Saturday, a correspondent on the scene said. The demonstrators, participating in nationwide protests calling for the 93-year-old veteran leader to step aside after the army took power earlier this week, staged a sit-down protest in the road after being halted by the troops. The crowd got within 200 metres (220 yards) of the gates to the complex that has been the nerve centre of Mugabe's authoritarian rule, as large protests swept through the capital. "This is not fair. Why are the soldiers preventing us to march to State House?" Rutendo Maisiri, an unemployed 26-year-old woman said. "It is wrong. We will stay put."

Zimbabwe army stops crowd marching on Mugabe's official home

A senior aide<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-after-coup-will-zimbabwe-see-democracy-or-dictatorship-24415"> in the Zimbabwe government told</a> AFP today former vice-president Emmerson Mnangagwa has returned to the country.

Emmerson <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/zimbabwes-robert-mugabe-liberation-hero-turned-despot-24292">Mnangagwa sacking had reportedly</a> triggered the military coup in Zimbabwe two days ago with President Mugabe being put under virtual house arrest.

The Zimbabwe military is backing Mnangagwa as a potential successor to President Robert Mugabe.

Zimbabwe military said it had detained some &quot;criminals&quot; in President Robert Mugabe&#39;s government.

&quot;Significant progress has been made in our operation,&quot; the defence forces said in a statement, adding,&quot;We have accounted for some of the criminals while others are still at large.&quot;

Meanwhile, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, 93, refused to resign from his post on Thursday even as the military seized control of key government installation in the two-day-old military coup.

Zimbabwe state TV had flashed images of the meeting showed Mugabe dressed in a navy blue blazer and grey trousers standing alongside army chief General Constantino Chiwenga.

In Paris, the head of the African Union, Guinea&#39;s President Alpha Conde, warned on Thursday that the continent &quot;will never accept the military coup d&#39;etat&quot; in Zimbabwe and called for a return to the &quot;constitutional order&quot;.

&quot;We demand respect for the constitution, a return to the constitutional order and we will never accept the military coup d&#39;etat,&quot; Alpha Conde said in an interview with French journalists in Paris.&nbsp;

Britain, a long-time critic of Mugabe&#39;s regime called for elections scheduled for 2018 to go ahead. 
&nbsp;

Zimbabwe military said it had detained some "criminals" in President Robert Mugabe's government.

A senior aide in the Zimbabwe government told AFP today former vice-president Emmerson Mnangagwa has returned to the country. Emmerson Mnangagwa sacking had reportedly triggered the military coup in Zimbabwe two days ago with President Mugabe being put under virtual house arrest. The Zimbabwe military is backing Mnangagwa as a potential successor to President Robert Mugabe. Zimbabwe military said it had detained some "criminals" in President Robert Mugabe's government. "Significant progress has been made in our operation," the defence forces said in a statement, adding,"We have accounted for some of the criminals while others are still at large." Meanwhile, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, 93, refused to resign from his post on Thursday even as the military seized control of key government installation in the two-day-old military coup. Zimbabwe state TV had flashed images of the meeting showed Mugabe dressed in a navy blue blazer and grey trousers standing alongside army chief General Constantino Chiwenga. In Paris, the head of the African Union, Guinea's President Alpha Conde, warned on Thursday that the continent "will never accept the military coup d'etat" in Zimbabwe and called for a return to the "constitutional order". "We demand respect for the constitution, a return to the constitutional order and we will never accept the military coup d'etat," Alpha Conde said in an interview with French journalists in Paris. Britain, a long-time critic of Mugabe's regime called for elections scheduled for 2018 to go ahead.

Former vice-president Emmerson Mnangagwa back in Zimbabwe: Report

On Wednesday the readers of Zimbabwe&#39;s main newspaper were surprised to see that the newspaper missing the army taking President Robert Mugabe under house arrest which appeared to be a coup.

The newspaper published a story with a headline saying &#39;No military takeover&#39; on their front page instead.

In fact, the previous day The Herald declared &quot;ZANU-PF unfazed by Chiwenga,&quot; on its front page, reporting on the party&#39;s denunciation of the military chief as a traitor.&nbsp;

In Harare, most people were constantly following the social media and Internet for updates on a coup against 93-year-old Mugabe, Zimbabwe&#39;s leader for&nbsp;the last 37 years.

Mugabe&#39;s decades-long grip on power appeared to be fading as military vehicles blocked roads outside the parliament in Harare and senior soldiers delivered a late-night television address to the nation.

Just after 4 am an army spokesman&nbsp;appeared on state media to announce that the army had seized power.&nbsp;

The final line of his declaration was &nbsp;&quot;To the media, we urge you report fairly and responsibly&quot;.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/grace-mugabe-flees-zimbabwe-after-army-takes-over-reports-24301">Also read:&nbsp;Grace Mugabe flees Zimbabwe after army takes over: Reports</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/zimbabwes-robert-mugabe-liberation-hero-turned-despot-24292">Also </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/zimbabwes-robert-mugabe-liberation-hero-turned-despot-24292">read:</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/zimbabwes-robert-mugabe-liberation-hero-turned-despot-24292">&nbsp;Zimbabwe&#39;s Robert Mugabe: Liberation hero turned despot</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/robert-mugabes-zimbabwe-is-in-deep-financial-mess-24272">Also read:&nbsp;Robert Mugabe&#39;s Zimbabwe is in deep mess</a>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/targeting-criminals-not-a-military-takeover-of-government-zimbabwe-military-24236">Targeting criminals, not a military takeover of government: Zimbabwe military</a>

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/army-takes-control-in-zimbabwe-president-mugabe-detained-report-24283">Zimbabwe: President Mugabe under house arrest, army denies coup</a>

The newspaper published a story with a headline saying 'No military takeover' on their front page instead

On Wednesday the readers of Zimbabwe's main newspaper were surprised to see that the newspaper missing the army taking President Robert Mugabe under house arrest which appeared to be a coup. The newspaper published a story with a headline saying 'No military takeover' on their front page instead. In fact, the previous day The Herald declared "ZANU-PF unfazed by Chiwenga," on its front page, reporting on the party's denunciation of the military chief as a traitor. In Harare, most people were constantly following the social media and Internet for updates on a coup against 93-year-old Mugabe, Zimbabwe's leader for the last 37 years. Mugabe's decades-long grip on power appeared to be fading as military vehicles blocked roads outside the parliament in Harare and senior soldiers delivered a late-night television address to the nation. Just after 4 am an army spokesman appeared on state media to announce that the army had seized power. The final line of his declaration was "To the media, we urge you report fairly and responsibly". Also read: Grace Mugabe flees Zimbabwe after army takes over: Reports Also read: Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe: Liberation hero turned despot Also read: Robert Mugabe's Zimbabwe is in deep mess Also read: Targeting criminals, not a military takeover of government: Zimbabwe military Also read: Zimbabwe: President Mugabe under house arrest, army denies coup

Main Zimbabwe newspaper completely misses news of coup

Zimbabwe police have arrested a journalist at a privately-owned daily over a story claiming that President Robert Mugabe&#39;s wife, Grace had donated second-hand underwear to supporters, lawyers said&nbsp;Tuesday.&nbsp;

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) said that Kenneth Nyangani, a NewsDay journalist, was arrested&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;night &quot;for allegedly writing and publishing a story over the donation of some used undergarments by First Lady Grace Mugabe&quot;.&nbsp;

Nyangani was being detained in the eastern city of Mutare and is likely to face &quot;criminal defamation&quot; charges, the organisation said in a statement. He is yet to appear in court.&nbsp;

The NewsDay&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;reported that a ruling Zanu-PF lawmaker, Esau Mupfumi had over the weekend handed out clothes saying they were donated by Grace Mugabe.

&quot;I met the First Lady Grace Mugabe and I was given these clothes so that I can give you. I have briefs for you and I am told that most of your briefs are not in good shape, please come and collect your allocations today,&quot; the NewsDay quoted Mupfumi as saying.&nbsp;

&quot;We have nightdresses, sandals, and clothes, come and take, this is from your First Lady Grace Mugabe.&quot;&nbsp;

Zimbabwe&#39;s worsening economic crisis has forced many people to resort to buying second-hand clothes which are more affordable.&nbsp;

The used clothes that include undergarments are mostly imported from Mozambique after being shipped from Western nations.

Zimbabwe once banned the sale of second-hand clothes in 2015 but later lifted the ban.&nbsp;

The southern African country is facing money shortages and high unemployment blamed on long-ruling President Robert Mugabe economic policies.

Amnesty International has called for Nyangani&#39;s unconditional release, saying his arrest aimed at harassing and intimidating journalists.

&quot;The intention is to send a chilling message to journalists and media workers that they must self-censor rather than expose truths,&quot; it said in a statement.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/delay-in-civil-servants-salaries-hints-at-worsening-economic-crisis-in-zimbabwe-state-media-4829" target="_blank">Delay in civil servants&#39; salaries hints at worsening economic crisis in Zimbabwe: State media</a>

Lawyers said Kenneth Nyangani was arrested?'for allegedly writing... a story over the donation of some used undergarments by First Lady Grace Mugabe'

Zimbabwe police have arrested a journalist at a privately-owned daily over a story claiming that President Robert Mugabe's wife, Grace had donated second-hand underwear to supporters, lawyers said Tuesday. Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) said that Kenneth Nyangani, a NewsDay journalist, was arrested on Monday night "for allegedly writing and publishing a story over the donation of some used undergarments by First Lady Grace Mugabe". Nyangani was being detained in the eastern city of Mutare and is likely to face "criminal defamation" charges, the organisation said in a statement. He is yet to appear in court. The NewsDay on Monday reported that a ruling Zanu-PF lawmaker, Esau Mupfumi had over the weekend handed out clothes saying they were donated by Grace Mugabe. "I met the First Lady Grace Mugabe and I was given these clothes so that I can give you. I have briefs for you and I am told that most of your briefs are not in good shape, please come and collect your allocations today," the NewsDay quoted Mupfumi as saying. "We have nightdresses, sandals, and clothes, come and take, this is from your First Lady Grace Mugabe." Zimbabwe's worsening economic crisis has forced many people to resort to buying second-hand clothes which are more affordable. The used clothes that include undergarments are mostly imported from Mozambique after being shipped from Western nations. Zimbabwe once banned the sale of second-hand clothes in 2015 but later lifted the ban. The southern African country is facing money shortages and high unemployment blamed on long-ruling President Robert Mugabe economic policies. Amnesty International has called for Nyangani's unconditional release, saying his arrest aimed at harassing and intimidating journalists. "The intention is to send a chilling message to journalists and media workers that they must self-censor rather than expose truths," it said in a statement. Also read: Delay in civil servants' salaries hints at worsening economic crisis in Zimbabwe: State media

Zimbabwe arrests journalist over 'used' Grace Mugabe underwear

The Zimbabwean pastor who has emerged as leader of a new protest movement against&nbsp;President Robert Mugabe&#39;s authoritarian government called today for further strikes and shutdowns. 
 
&quot;Tell everyone that you know... tell them that the pastor said we carry on with our &#39;stay-away&#39; and shutdown,&quot; Evan Mawarire said in a Facebook video, the day after a court threw out a case against him of attempting to overthrow the government. 
 
Mawarire, who started the popular ThisFlag internet protest campaign, was one of the organisers of a day-long nationwide strike last week that closed offices, shops, schools and some government departments. 
 
&quot;There is a hope inside you that this country needs, and if you don&#39;t get involved, you are robbing us of that hope,&quot; he said, wearing the national flag around his neck. 
 
Recent demonstrations, the largest in several years, have been triggered by an economic crisis that has left banks short of cash and the government struggling to pay its workers. 
 
But calls by the ThisFlag movement for another nationwide strike this week fell flat as shops, schools and offices opened as normal across the country. 
 
Home affairs minister Ignatius Chombo had warned that anyone taking part in strikes would face &quot;the full wrath of the law&quot;, and in recent days many civil servants were paid their delayed June salaries. 
 
Mugabe, 92 and increasingly frail, has previously used his ruthless security forces to crack down on any public show of dissent during his 36 years in power. 
 
Mawarire was arrested on Tuesday, but released after a magistrate dismissed the case against him. 
 
The judge&#39;s surprise decision late Wednesday was greeted as a major victory by anti-government protesters, hundreds of whom had waited, singing and praying, outside the court all day as riot police looked on. 
 
&#39;Repressive police state&#39;&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Zimbabwe functions as an inefficiently repressive police state, and regime critics &#39;disappear&#39;,&quot; John Campbell, an analyst with the council of foreign relations, said in a note today. 
 
&quot;Zimbabweans have been remarkably passive (but) driven by and fear of hunger, passivity may be giving way to anger and manifesting itself outside conventional politics.&quot; 
 
Amnesty has said about 300 people have been arrested for participating in protests around the country since last week. 
 
The surge in demonstrations has revealed long-simmering frustration in a country where 90 per cent of the population is not in formal employment. 
 
Millions have also been left hungry by a collapse in the agriculture sector and a severe drought. 
 
Despite his advanced age and fragile health, Mugabe has refused to step down and has avoided naming an successor. 
 
He still gives fiery 90-minute speeches on his feet, and has vowed to stand again for election in 2018, but his ZANU-PF party is riven with factions jockeying for position. 
 
Regime loyalist Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa is viewed as the most likely next leader, with Mugabe&#39;s wife Grace, 50, also a possible candidate. 
 
Mugabe easily defeated the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party to win the last election in 2013, in a vote that was described by the United States as not credible. 
 
The previous presidential election in 2008 was marred by widespread violence and intimidation of voters. 
 
Last week, security forces used tear gas and water cannon to disperse angry protests outside Harare that erupted over police officers allegedly using road blocks to extort cash from motorists. 
 
Television footage showed police beating protesters with sticks. 
 
Other protests have broken out at the border with South Africa over a ban on imports such as canned vegetables, powdered milk and cooking oil. 
 
In April, the MDC held a large rally through central Harare -- the first such protest since 2007 when police beat up party leader Morgan Tsvangirai and supporters who had gathered for a prayer meeting. 
 
(AFP)

On Wednesday, a court threw out a case against Evan Mawarire of attempting to overthrow the government

The Zimbabwean pastor who has emerged as leader of a new protest movement against President Robert Mugabe's authoritarian government called today for further strikes and shutdowns. "Tell everyone that you know... tell them that the pastor said we carry on with our 'stay-away' and shutdown," Evan Mawarire said in a Facebook video, the day after a court threw out a case against him of attempting to overthrow the government. Mawarire, who started the popular ThisFlag internet protest campaign, was one of the organisers of a day-long nationwide strike last week that closed offices, shops, schools and some government departments. "There is a hope inside you that this country needs, and if you don't get involved, you are robbing us of that hope," he said, wearing the national flag around his neck. Recent demonstrations, the largest in several years, have been triggered by an economic crisis that has left banks short of cash and the government struggling to pay its workers. But calls by the ThisFlag movement for another nationwide strike this week fell flat as shops, schools and offices opened as normal across the country. Home affairs minister Ignatius Chombo had warned that anyone taking part in strikes would face "the full wrath of the law", and in recent days many civil servants were paid their delayed June salaries. Mugabe, 92 and increasingly frail, has previously used his ruthless security forces to crack down on any public show of dissent during his 36 years in power. Mawarire was arrested on Tuesday, but released after a magistrate dismissed the case against him. The judge's surprise decision late Wednesday was greeted as a major victory by anti-government protesters, hundreds of whom had waited, singing and praying, outside the court all day as riot police looked on. 'Repressive police state' "Zimbabwe functions as an inefficiently repressive police state, and regime critics 'disappear'," John Campbell, an analyst with the council of foreign relations, said in a note today. "Zimbabweans have been remarkably passive (but) driven by and fear of hunger, passivity may be giving way to anger and manifesting itself outside conventional politics." Amnesty has said about 300 people have been arrested for participating in protests around the country since last week. The surge in demonstrations has revealed long-simmering frustration in a country where 90 per cent of the population is not in formal employment. Millions have also been left hungry by a collapse in the agriculture sector and a severe drought. Despite his advanced age and fragile health, Mugabe has refused to step down and has avoided naming an successor. He still gives fiery 90-minute speeches on his feet, and has vowed to stand again for election in 2018, but his ZANU-PF party is riven with factions jockeying for position. Regime loyalist Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa is viewed as the most likely next leader, with Mugabe's wife Grace, 50, also a possible candidate. Mugabe easily defeated the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party to win the last election in 2013, in a vote that was described by the United States as not credible. The previous presidential election in 2008 was marred by widespread violence and intimidation of voters. Last week, security forces used tear gas and water cannon to disperse angry protests outside Harare that erupted over police officers allegedly using road blocks to extort cash from motorists. Television footage showed police beating protesters with sticks. Other protests have broken out at the border with South Africa over a ban on imports such as canned vegetables, powdered milk and cooking oil. In April, the MDC held a large rally through central Harare -- the first such protest since 2007 when police beat up party leader Morgan Tsvangirai and supporters who had gathered for a prayer meeting. (AFP)

Freed Zimbabwe pastor calls for more anti-Mugabe strikes

Supporters of Zimbabwe protest leader Evan Mawarire rallied today outside the court where he was set to appear after being arrested during a surge of unrest against President Robert Mugabe`s government. 
 
Mawarire, a pastor who has been charged with inciting public violence, was an organiser of a one-day nationwide shutdown last week when offices, shops, schools and some government departments stayed closed. 
 
Protest organisers had appealed for Zimbabweans to hold another strike startingtoday, but their calls were largely unsuccessful with businesses and schools open as usual. 
 
Police were on patrol in the capital Harare after Mawarire, who founded the internet ThisFlag protest movement, was arrested on Tuesday. 
 
A series of demonstrations in Zimbabwe, where protests are rare under Mugabe`s authoritarian rule, have been driven by an economic crisis that left banks short of cash and the government struggling to pay its workers. 
 
&quot;They made sure that they arrested the people who are most vocal and fearless -- that is why the response is not as good as it was last week,&quot; Onias Marongwa, who works in a grocery store, told AFP. 
 
More than 150 mainly young supporters, many carrying the Zimbabwean flag that has become a symbol of the protests, sang and chanted outside the magistrate`s court in Harare. 
 
Mawarire was brought into court through a back entrance, as scores of lawyers from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights group offered to represent him.&quot;The arrest of Pastor Evan Mawarire appears to be a well-calculated plan to intimidate him and other activists ahead of the national shutdown,&quot; Muleya Mwananyanda of Amnesty International said in a statement. 
 
&quot;Instead of suppressing dissenting voices, Zimbabwean authorities should be listening to protesters.&quot; 
 
Amnesty said about 300 people had been arrested for participating in protests around the country since they started last week. 
 
The recent demonstrations have revealed long-bubbling frustration in a country where 90 per cent of the population are not in formal employment. 
 
Mugabe, 92, has overseen years of economic decline, repression of dissent, allegedly rigged elections and mass emigration since he came to power in 1980. 
 
Last week security forces used tear gas and water cannon to disperse violent protests outside Harare that erupted over police officers allegedly using road blocks to extort cash from motorists. 
 
Television footage showed police beating protesters with sticks. 
 
Other protests have erupted at the border with South Africa over a ban on imports such as canned vegetables, powdered milk and cooking oil. 
 
On Tuesday, home affairs minister Ignatius Chombo held a press conference to warn that anyone who took part in the planned two-day strike would face &quot;the full wrath of the law&quot;. 
 
&quot;I urge members of the public to desist from engaging in illegal protests,&quot; he said. 
 
Many civil servants have been paid their delayed June salaries since last week. 
 
In the southeastern town of Masvingo, most shops and offices were open despite the planned strike. 
 
&quot;The regime`s machinery is very visible,&quot; Takafira Zhou, leader of the Progressive Teachers` Union in the town, told AFP. 
 
&quot;Today`s response to the strike is low as some people who took part last week had their salaries forfeited and they fear for the worst if they are seen to be defiant.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

Evan Mawarirea has been charged with inciting public violence, organised a one-day nationwide shutdown last week

Supporters of Zimbabwe protest leader Evan Mawarire rallied today outside the court where he was set to appear after being arrested during a surge of unrest against President Robert Mugabe`s government. Mawarire, a pastor who has been charged with inciting public violence, was an organiser of a one-day nationwide shutdown last week when offices, shops, schools and some government departments stayed closed. Protest organisers had appealed for Zimbabweans to hold another strike startingtoday, but their calls were largely unsuccessful with businesses and schools open as usual. Police were on patrol in the capital Harare after Mawarire, who founded the internet ThisFlag protest movement, was arrested on Tuesday. A series of demonstrations in Zimbabwe, where protests are rare under Mugabe`s authoritarian rule, have been driven by an economic crisis that left banks short of cash and the government struggling to pay its workers. "They made sure that they arrested the people who are most vocal and fearless -- that is why the response is not as good as it was last week," Onias Marongwa, who works in a grocery store, told AFP. More than 150 mainly young supporters, many carrying the Zimbabwean flag that has become a symbol of the protests, sang and chanted outside the magistrate`s court in Harare. Mawarire was brought into court through a back entrance, as scores of lawyers from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights group offered to represent him."The arrest of Pastor Evan Mawarire appears to be a well-calculated plan to intimidate him and other activists ahead of the national shutdown," Muleya Mwananyanda of Amnesty International said in a statement. "Instead of suppressing dissenting voices, Zimbabwean authorities should be listening to protesters." Amnesty said about 300 people had been arrested for participating in protests around the country since they started last week. The recent demonstrations have revealed long-bubbling frustration in a country where 90 per cent of the population are not in formal employment. Mugabe, 92, has overseen years of economic decline, repression of dissent, allegedly rigged elections and mass emigration since he came to power in 1980. Last week security forces used tear gas and water cannon to disperse violent protests outside Harare that erupted over police officers allegedly using road blocks to extort cash from motorists. Television footage showed police beating protesters with sticks. Other protests have erupted at the border with South Africa over a ban on imports such as canned vegetables, powdered milk and cooking oil. On Tuesday, home affairs minister Ignatius Chombo held a press conference to warn that anyone who took part in the planned two-day strike would face "the full wrath of the law". "I urge members of the public to desist from engaging in illegal protests," he said. Many civil servants have been paid their delayed June salaries since last week. In the southeastern town of Masvingo, most shops and offices were open despite the planned strike. "The regime`s machinery is very visible," Takafira Zhou, leader of the Progressive Teachers` Union in the town, told AFP. "Today`s response to the strike is low as some people who took part last week had their salaries forfeited and they fear for the worst if they are seen to be defiant." (AFP)

Zimbabwe pastor due in court as strike falters