A Zimbabwean court denied bail Friday to a journalist accused of inciting violence after interviewing a ruling party stalwart who called for the resignation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Blessed Mhlanga, who works for the online Heart and Soul Television channel (HStv), has been in detention since his arrest on Monday in a case that has added to fears about authoritarianism in the southern African country.

The accusation against him stems from interviews with a veteran member of the ruling Zanu-PF party, Blessed Geza, who said Mnangagwa should step down or expect people to “do what they can” to force him out.

“What clearly emerged is that the disseminated message will incite violence,” the magistrate Farai Gwatima said, announcing his decision to deny bail to Mhlanga, who is due in court again on March 14.

“Accordingly, the release of the accused will put the nation in unrest and undermine peace and security,” he said.

Mnangagwa, 82, took power in 2017 when his predecessor Robert Mugabe was forced out in a military-backed coup that ended his 37-year hold on power.

Although his constitutionally limited two terms ends in 2028, a faction of his Zanu-PF is pushing for him to be able to stay on until 2030.

https://guardian.ng/news/zimbabwe-court-denies-bail-to-journalist-after-critical-interview/