Africa News of Friday, 14 February 2020

Source: bbc.com

Zimbabwe opposition MP cleared of treason

Job Sikhala could have faced 20 years in jail Job Sikhala could have faced 20 years in jail

A court in Zimbabwe has found an opposition MP not guilty of trying to topple President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Job Sikhala faced up to 20 years in prison after being arrested for subversion after telling supporters at a rally last year that his party - the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) - would overthrow the president before the next election.

There were celebrations inside and outside the High Court in the central town of Masvingo after his acquittal.

A Zimbabwean journalist has tweeted a video showing the MDC supporters out on the streets.

In recent months dozens of people have faced subversion charges, which government critics say is proof that the authorities are muzzling the opposition.