Zimbabwe police on Thursday dropped charges against a man
who allegedly insulted President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Robert Mugabe's successor,
in a Facebook post, lawyers said.
Munyaradzi Shoko, a well-known critic of Mnangagwa, was
held after he posted statements on Facebook saying the president's name was
"generally associated with evil and devilish deeds."
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights spokesperson Kumbirai
Mafunda said Shoko was detained at Harare central police station on Wednesday
and charged with criminal nuisance.
Shoko, who heads the pressure group Children of Zimbabwe
War Veterans Association, was also charged with public violence for allegedly
taking part in protests by opposition supporters after July 30 elections.
At least six people were killed after soldiers opened fire
at the protests.
"At court today they dropped the criminal nuisance and
public violence charges," Mafunda said, alleging Shoko was assaulted by
police while detained.
The police were not immediately available to comment.
Mngangagwa won the presidential election, though the
results are being challenged in court.
The government and security forces have been accused of a
violent crackdown on MDC opposition supporters since the vote. AFP
Mnangagwa succeeded long-time ruler Mugabe who was ousted
in November 2017 following a brief military takeover.
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