Zimbabwean journalist gets bail after arrest for tweeting

Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono has been granted bail after being re-arrested earlier this month for breaking a previous bail condition banning him from tweeting.

“I am relieved that our client has finally been released. He was not supposed to be arrested at the first place,” Doug Coltart, one of his lawyers said.

Chin’ono was arrested on Nov. 4 with authorities charging him with contempt of court.

It is the second time he’s been arrested this year, the fist time he spent over a month in jail for allegedly calling for protests in July.

He was repeatedly denied bail and could still face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Amnesty International said earlier this week that Chin’ono was “being detained solely for his journalistic work… the latest tactic to target and harass critical voices.

“Zimbabwean authorities must stop targeting Hopewell for exercising his right to freedom of expression.

He must be immediately and unconditionally released, and all charges against him should be dropped,” the group added.

Reports say Chin’ono’s investigations into alleged graft surrounding supplies for the coronavirus pandemic led to the sacking and arrest of Health Minister Obadiah Moyo earlier this year.