Zimbabwean reporter Blessed Mhlanga went back behind bars Wednesday because the judge needed extra time to decide about key evidence. His defense team asked for videos and electronic recordings the police used when they charged him with stirring up public violence. They believe these materials would boost their case for letting him out on bail.
The cops grabbed Mhlanga on February 24th. They claim he talked to some former fighters led by Blessed Geza, who has since been kicked out of the Zanu PF party. According to the charges, these veterans demanded President Emmerson Mnangagwa step down right away and said they might start big street protests against him. That's what landed the journalist in hot water.
Attorney Chris Mhike argued that seeing the actual videos would help them fight back. He said what people actually said on camera differs from what appears on the official court papers. The lawyer thinks these recordings could change everything about whether his client stays locked up or goes free. The prosecution team fought against handing over these materials.
Justice Gibson Mandaza from the Harare High Court put off making any decision for an unknown length of time. He said he'll call the lawyers when he figures out what to do about their request for evidence. By the time offices closed Wednesday, nobody had heard anything from the judge about when that might happen. Meanwhile, the journalist stays in jail.
The cops grabbed Mhlanga on February 24th. They claim he talked to some former fighters led by Blessed Geza, who has since been kicked out of the Zanu PF party. According to the charges, these veterans demanded President Emmerson Mnangagwa step down right away and said they might start big street protests against him. That's what landed the journalist in hot water.
Attorney Chris Mhike argued that seeing the actual videos would help them fight back. He said what people actually said on camera differs from what appears on the official court papers. The lawyer thinks these recordings could change everything about whether his client stays locked up or goes free. The prosecution team fought against handing over these materials.
Justice Gibson Mandaza from the Harare High Court put off making any decision for an unknown length of time. He said he'll call the lawyers when he figures out what to do about their request for evidence. By the time offices closed Wednesday, nobody had heard anything from the judge about when that might happen. Meanwhile, the journalist stays in jail.
