The South African Press Association reports that Zimbabwe’s government has enacted a new law making it a crime to,
. . .make any gesture or statement within the view or hearing of the state motorcade with the intention of insulting any person travelling with an escort or any member of the escort.
The press association notes that Robert Mugabe’s motorcade is colloquially known as “Bob and the Wailers” because of the blaring sirens from motorcycle escorts.
Apparently Mugabe’s opponents have been shouting opposition political slogans and salutes at Mugabe’s motorcade.
This follows passage of a law earlier this year making it a crime punishable by up to a year in jail for anyone who “makes an abusive or indecent or obscene or false statement” about Mugabe. Earlier this month a man was arrested in Harare for carrying a sign that read,
God shall confront Mugabe over evils done to people. Then would the police and the Central Intelligence Organization arrest god on that day?
They’d probably try.
Source:
New laws bans rude gestures, swearing at Mugabe motorcade. South African Press Association (Johannesburg), November 18, 2002.