Freed anti-Mugabe youths up campaign

Protest organiser and Zimbabwe Women in Politics Alliance founder Linda Masarira in Harare Unity Square

The pro-democracy youths were bailed on robbery and obstruction of justice charges after they were raided by the police while staging a 16-day protest against the government in Harare’s Africa Unity Square.

Linda Masarira, one of the organisers, told NewZimbabwe.com in Harare Monday, that they would continue with their demonstrations.

She said they were however, no longer going to stay in the square, but would now only meet there for one hour between 5pm to 6pm.

“In undertaking our struggle, the #5to6 sessions will continue to be our flagship campaign and we will be rolling it out in the coming weeks across the country,” she said.

“The #5to6 programme is an action by young people and the oppressed members of our society both politically and economically, to reclaim their future by occupying the public spaces, be it parks, streets or squares in their areas, and utilising it for constructive dialogue on political and socio-economic issues.”

Masarira said they had not changed the agenda of their mission, insisting the demonstrations will continue until President Mugabe and his government step down.

“The #5to6 programme will run on periodic themes at national level but will zero in on the specific issues affecting communities in general and young people in particular,” she said.

“Our demands remain very clear and are as follows: Repayment of the stolen US$15 billion diamond revenue and the arrest and incarceration of the perpetrators; the fulfilment of the 2.2 million jobs promised in 2013 by President Mugabe and an immediate end to privatisation of social services and increased public expenditure on social services to ensure accessible quality education, health, water and welfare programmes for the vulnerable groups and an end to anti-worker policies and legislation.

“We say NO to Austerity!”