Police officers prevented a 78-year-old Muslim man from attending a High Court hearing in Masvingo two weeks ago because of his traditional religious clothing. Adams Asipu traveled from Harare to support a relative but was removed from Courtroom A while wearing a thawb, an ankle-length robe worn by Muslim men.
Attorney Trust Sengwayo said the police violated constitutional protections for religious freedom and nondiscrimination. He cited a 1995 Supreme Court ruling that allowed a Rastafarian lawyer to wear dreadlocks in court based on religious beliefs.
Sheikh Ishmail Duwa, head of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe, confirmed Islamic dress is permitted in courtrooms. Attorney Tafadzwa Mbwachena, who represented Asipu's relative, called for better training of court security personnel.
The Judicial Service Commission and National Police did not respond to requests for comment. Asipu attended a bail hearing for Ali Allan Mamudu, who received a 12-year sentence for possessing 175 kilograms of cannabis.
Attorney Trust Sengwayo said the police violated constitutional protections for religious freedom and nondiscrimination. He cited a 1995 Supreme Court ruling that allowed a Rastafarian lawyer to wear dreadlocks in court based on religious beliefs.
Sheikh Ishmail Duwa, head of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe, confirmed Islamic dress is permitted in courtrooms. Attorney Tafadzwa Mbwachena, who represented Asipu's relative, called for better training of court security personnel.
The Judicial Service Commission and National Police did not respond to requests for comment. Asipu attended a bail hearing for Ali Allan Mamudu, who received a 12-year sentence for possessing 175 kilograms of cannabis.
