The state’s representative, Edmore Nyazamba, told the court that Defense Lawyer Alec Muchadehama was engaged in another case at the Supreme Court. “I believe he thought he would make it here,” the state run Herald newspaper quoted Nyazamba as saying.
Gwisai, a former Highfield MP and co-ordinator of the International Socialist Organisation, and the others were initially accused of plotting to overthrow the government and charged with treason. But the state later altered the charges to inciting violence and threatening public security.
He is jointly charged along with activists Hopewell Gumbo, Antoneta Choto, Tatenda Mombeyarara, Edson Chakuma and Welcome Zimuto.
Several events linked to the state have delayed the trial since the group’s arrest in February, when police disrupted a meeting where a group of 50 activists viewed and discussed videos of the uprisings in North Africa. The others accused were later released for lack of evidence.
The first witness testified this week on Wednesday and more witnesses were to be called on Thursday if the defense lawyer had turned up. Last week the trial was postponed after the judge failed to show up. It was the fourth time the trial had been delayed, with the state changing the initial charges at one point and then submitting more evidence on another occasion.
Lawyers for the activists have said the state is attempting to frustrate them. – SW Radio Africa News
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