The new found energy by the Zanu PF regime to suddenly characterise the use of social media as terrorism is baseless and senseless, People’s Democratic Party has said.
In statement the party spokesperson Jacob Mafume said,”It is very strange that this government views and treats anyone who is not in agreement with it as a terrorist.
“For many years we have been treated as enemies or terrorists by this regime simply for criticising its shortfalls.
“Legitimate governments all over the world encourage their citizens to openly criticise them because it is through lively dialogue that countries develop and progress,” he said.
The statement added that, “Zanu PF should know that social movements such as, #tajamuka, #thisFlag and #thisgown are not terrorist organisations. These social movements are not committing any crimes against the regime for speaking on behalf of every Zimbabwean. They are ordinary citizens who want to change and improve the lives of the people.
“These social movements have used platforms such as; Facebook, Twitter and Whatsapp to rally Zimbabweans to peacefully demonstrate against the ruinous leadership of Robert Mugabe.”
As the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), we strongly condemn the behaviour of ministers, Christopher Mushowe and Supa Mandiwanzira who want to use repressive and unconstitutional methods against ordinary citizens for using social media platforms.
“For Supa, a journalist, disc jockey and owner of a radio station to make an unconstitutional proposal and attempt to push through Parliament the Computer Crime and Cyber Crime in order to infringe on the people’s lives boggles the mind.
“Mushowe and Mandiwanzira want to deprive the people their rights and freedoms. However, it is sad that the attitude of Mushowe and Mandiwanzira is a reflection of the calibre of all the ministers in Zanu PF.
“As right thinking Zimbabweans, we wonder why the government wants to spend its energy on controlling the use of social media when the country currently faces significant challenges.
“The country’s economy is suffering from a sluggish growth, illiquidity, massive deindustrialisation, high unemployment and a crumbling infrastructure. But again, what more can be expected from the divided, confused and leaderless Zanu PF,” said Mafume in a statement.
