Harare Magistrate Nomsa Sabarauta on Friday granted an application by Zanu-PF activist turned opposition leader, Acie Lumumba, real name William Mutumanje, to have his matter referred to the Constitutional Court. Lumumba wants the Constitutional Court to determine the constitutionality of a law which makes it an offence to criticise President Mugabe. Lumumba is charged with undermining the authority of the President after he allegedly said:
You have never really seen Zimbabweans angry so here is the red line, Mr President Robert Gabriel Mugabe ‘f…you’, I have drawn the line…My name is Lumumba Lumumba Lumumba; I have said it three times and I say come get me.
Magistrate Sabarauta also noted that the state had reneged on its commitment to withdraw charges against him. She said his request for referral was neither frivolous nor vexatious and so referred the matter to the Constitutional Court.
More: Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights
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