Zim ratifies ‘gag’ law

ZIMBABWE’S upper house of parliament has approved legislation that critics say will gag civil society groups, placing them under the threat of harsh sanctions and strict government control.

The senate voted this week in favour of the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill, which needs to be ratified by the president before passing into law. The text sailed through the country’s other chamber of parliament, the National Assembly, late last year. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said the law was a “necessary measure to improve the administration, accountability and transparency” of charities working in the country.

He accused some of “directing money to favoured political parties”.

Rights groups and opposition parties complain of an increased government clampdown on dissent as the country heads towards general elections later this year. The bill bans civil society organisations from engaging in politics. |