Protesters block Zimbabwe pastor's court appearance

By John Cassim

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AA) - Police in Zimbabwe on Wednesday struggled to keep order in a Harare courthouse as hundreds of people thronged the building in support of a cleric at the center of nationwide protests.

Supporters of Pastor Evan Mawarire -- many clad in the national flag -- crowded Harare Magistrates Court were the activist was due to face charges. Tens of pastors from various churches crowded the court, wearing their religious collars in solidarity with Mawarire.

As Mawarire was being brought in by a police van, the crowd began to sing revolutionary songs and chant slogans in support of his #ThisFlag anti-corruption campaign.

Mawarire could be seen surrounded by armed police officers as well as plainclothes detectives as the truck approached the court building around midday local time.

After assessing the volatile environment outside the court, police retreated and took Mawarire back to police cells.

Mawarire is accused of inciting public violence through his social media posts calling for Zimbabweans to shut the country down due to corruption, unending roadblocks, non-payment of government workers’ salaries as well as an import ban on basic goods such as groceries.

For civil society protesters, the national flag is now a symbol of protest and resistance against 36 years of President Robert Mugabe’s alleged misrule.

However, although workers in Zimbabwe had been urged to go on strike on Wednesday and Thursday this week, businesses have shown signs of returning -- albeit at a slow pace. Public transport is also running.

Meanwhile for the first time in more than two decades, all ministers responsible for security held a joint briefing, blaming the civil unrest on the West.