Lawmakers from Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party are proposing a motion that criminalizes government criticism while promoting a national ideology and patriotic education. This comes after the Patriotic Act of 2023, which restricts dissent and categorizes criticism relating to healthcare and accountability as criminal offenses. The government believes such legislation is necessary to protect national interests, drawing comparisons with the US Logan Act. Violations could lead to severe penalties. A parliamentary debate revealed contrasting views, with one MP advocating praise for the nation and another arguing true patriotism involves accountability and active citizen participation.
The proposed motion seeks to criminalize dissent in Zimbabwe by promoting a national ideology and integrating "patriotic" education into the curriculum.
Criticism of the government regarding essential services and accountability would be deemed criminal under the new legislation, with severe penalties including life imprisonment.
Ophious Murambiwa stated that it should be criminal to speak "evil" about Zimbabwe, calling for unwavering praise for the country.
Prosper Mutseyami emphasized that true patriotism involves questioning injustice and participating in the government system to serve all citizens.
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