Zimbabwe: Can patriotism be legislated? |
Lawmakers from the ruling ZANU-PF party in Zimbabwe are moving a motion to further criminalize government critics. They're advocating for a comprehensive strategy to promote patriotism and national identity. Proposed measures include formalizing a national ideology, establishing a national institute of ideology and integrating "patriotic" education into the curriculum.
The motion comes on top of the contested Patriotic Act of 2023, which was seen to effectively closed the door on dissent In Zimbabwe. It makes provision for criticism issues such as provision of health care, basic services and accountability to be judged criminal.
The government dismissed criticism, saying the legislation was necessary to hold accountable individuals who threaten "national interests." It said the legislation was modeled on the Logan Act in the US, which bars citizens from engaging in certain unauthorized communications with foreign governments. In Zimbabwe, violations could result in life imprisonment and death, termination of citizenship, suspension from voting or holding public office.
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