While applying for the removal from remand for her client Victor Matemadanda, lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa said that the State was wrongly addressing first lady Grace Mugabe as Her Excellency.
She also argued that Matemadanda is being wrongfully accused of insulting the authority of President Robert Mugabe as he criticised Grace not her husband. Said Mtetwa:
The State witness, Benius Murira, in his affidavit, stated that Matemadanda insulted Her Excellency Dr Grace Mugabe. Surely Your Worship, the First Lady is not Her Excellency. The State must separate His Excellency the State President from other people. There is no provision for that in our Constitution. Matemadanda can criticise his party president, who is also his patron at the war veterans’ association and the facts in the State outline did not disclose any criticism directed at the President, but the First Lady, who is not the authority.
Mtetwa said Matemadanda was exercising his right to freedom of expression.
More: NewsDay
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