Zimbabwe's parliament has outlawed criticism of the government ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections in August, with violations of a new law punishable by up to 20 years in jail.

Zimbabwe's 'Patriotic Bill' forbids government criticism prior to elections

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa vowed on Tuesday to investigate security forces over their deadly crackdown on protesters, as he returned to the country and scrambled to fend off a barrage of criticism.

Zimbabwe's President Mnangagwa vows to investigate security forces

In pics: Discord simmers in Zimbabwe as anti-government protest grips nation

Zimbabwean businessman Munya Chihota's face lights up when he recalls taking part in a march last year with tens of thousands of people calling for then-president Robert Mugabe to step down.

A year after Mugabe's fall, Zimbabwe yearns for upswing

Protestors started throwing stones at the police in retaliation, some pulled down a street sign while others set fire on tyres

Zimbabwe police fire tear gas, beat anti-Mugabe protesters in capital