Timba and 34 CCC activists found guilty after 166 days of pre-trial detention

After 166 days in pretrial detention, former opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Senator Jameson Timba and 34 activists were convicted of participating in an “illegal gathering”, while 28 others were acquitted.

The convictions stem from their arrest on June 16, and they now await sentencing.

The group, consisting of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) members, had gathered at Timba’s residence to commemorate the International Day of the African Child.

However, police intervened, arresting 79 individuals, including Timba, and charging them with disorderly conduct and gathering with intent to promote public violence.

Initially, all 79 CCC members were detained, with one person granted bail and two minors released. The remaining 76 activists, including Timba, were held in remand as they awaited court proceedings.

The Magistrates Court acquitted 28 of the accused of disorderly conduct charges. However, 34 individuals, including Timba, were convicted of participating in an unlawful gathering.

The Zimbabwean authorities have faced criticism for the arrests and detentions, with human rights organisations describing the move as “abuse of judicial processes to punish dissenting”.

“After 166 days in pretrial detention, Jameson Timba, together with 34 of the Avondale78, have been convicted. Their crime: commemorating 16 June at a private residence.

“The abuse of judicial processes to punish dissenting is a key feature of Zimbabwe’s tainted human rights record,” Heal Zimbabwe Trust said.

Meanwhile, Amos Chibaya, a former CCC MP, has been granted US$500 bail after enduring over 40 days in pre-trial detention

He was arrested on charges of inciting public violence in his address to CCC activists who were demonstrating at the Harare Court after Timba and party supporters were denied bail.