Zimbabwe court makes surprise decision about detained opposition members
Zimbabweʼs justice system released opposition figure and dozens of supporters after months-long detention. Court handed down suspended sentences in case about unauthorized political meeting
In a recent court proceeding Zimbabweʼs legal system made an unexpected move - releasing Jameson Timba and his co-defendants from custody. The group spent about half-a-year behind bars (which shows how slow-moving justice system works in the country)
The courtʼs ruling came down mid-week: Timba who leads part of the now-split Citizens Coalition for Change got a 2-year prison term thats fully suspended; while his fellow-activists received shorter suspended sentences. The whole case started because of what officials called a non-permitted meeting
The group of political activists - numbering exactly 35 people in total - faced charges connected to organizing an un-authorized gathering. Their release marks a significant shift in how authorities handle opposition-related cases; though the suspended sentences mean they must follow strict rules to avoid jail-time
