Government warns flag 'abusing' protesters

pulse

September 20, 2016 7:12 PM

The campaign triggered a spike in demand for the flag with vendors selling the national colours in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Zimbabwe's national flag became a symbol of anti-government protests after evangelical pastor Evan Mawarire (not pictured) posted a video in April in which he appeared with the flag wound around his neck

Zimbabwe on Tuesday warned against the production, sale and use of the national flag without official permission after activists turned it into a symbol of anti-government protests.

"Members of the public who participate in any action or activity involving the national flag or bring the national flag into disrepute are warned they are liable to prosecution," justice minister Virginia Mabhiza said in a statement.

She said offenders faced up to a year in jail or a $200 (180 euros) fine -- or both.

The national flag became a symbol of anti-government protests after evangelical pastor Evan Mawarire posted a video in April in which he appeared with the flag wound around his neck as he bemoaned the country's worsening economic crisis.

Mabhiza said she was "concerned with increasing incidences whereby members of the public have been using the national flag in a manner that is prohibited by the constitution".

The warning came as the country experiences a surge in protests against veteran President Robert Mugabe's rule amid a worsening economic situation which has seen banks running out of cash and the government failing to pay its workers on time.

Protesters are also demanding a raft of electoral reforms ahead of general elections scheduled for 2018.

Pastor Mawarire's clips went viral, attracting tens of thousands of viewers and spawned the "ThisFlag" campaign that has fuelled angry street protests and brought Zimbabwe's situation to international attention.

Mawarire was arrested following street protests which shut down schools and offices and paralysed the public transport system.

He was released after a court threw out charges that he had attempted to overthrow the government.

Mugabe singled out Mawarire, warning him sternly against further protests.

Mawarire is in the United States where he is leading protests against Mugabe at the UN general assembly in New York.

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