The World Movement for Democracy and international community welcome the release of Evan Mawarire, a Zimbabwean evangelical pastor turned activist who created the popular #ThisFlag Movement. On July 6, 2016, Mawarire called for a “stay-away day,” urging Zimbabweans to stay home from work to protest against the chronic delays in paying civil servants, cash shortage, and high unemployment rate. In response, the government arrested and charged Mawarire with inciting public disorder. On July 13, 2016, a Zimbabwean magistrate judge ruled that state authorities’ move to add subversion charges against Mawarire without notifying him was unconstitutional and dropped all charges.

 

Mawarire’s activism began with a simple video message on social media protesting the deteriorating economy under President Mugabe’s rule. The post went viral and grew into a country-wide movement. Although Mawarire was cleared of charges, concern for his safety remains after President Mugabe spoke out against the activist. He is currently residing in South Africa and does not know when he will return to Zimbabwe.