Zimbabwe set to pass new law to monitor phones, internet

Zimbabwe set to pass new law to monitor phones, internet

BIG BROTHER: The Zimbabwe government will have authority to monitor the internet and phones

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By MacDonald Dzirutwe

ZIMBABWE'S parliament on Tuesday began debating a law empowering authorities to monitor phones, mail and the internet to protect national security, a move seen by critics as part of an official crackdown on the opposition.

While rights groups are concerned President Robert Mugabe's government will use the Interception of Communications Bill to infringe on privacy and further trample freedom of speech, officials have described it as integral to fighting crime.

"We are all subject to this law ... and Zimbabwe needs to mitigate against those who use technology to commit crime as is the norm globally," Transport and Communication Minister Chris Mushowe told parliament.

He noted that the United States, Britain and South Africa had similar legislation.

The Bill is expected to be passed by the lower house of parliament on Wednesday and then go on to the upper chamber. Mugabe's government, which has ruled since independence from Britain in 1980, has a two-thirds majority in both houses.

If passed, the Bill will give the state the authority to monitor the phones and mail of anyone suspected of threatening national security or involvement in criminal activities.

Critics say the bill is motivated by Mugabe's desire to punish and keep closer tabs on the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Zimbabwe's main opposition party, amid rising unrest in the economically strapped southern African nation.

Opposition legislators said they feared the government would abuse the law.

"This law is about the interception of fundamental rights of our citizens and this house should refuse such frivolous and outrightly undemocratic laws," said Nelson Chamisa, one of only a handful of MDC legislators who participated in the debate.

"Most provisions are injurous and the law will be used as an arrow aimed against trade unions, civil society, media and political parties involved in genuine political engagements," Chamisa said.

Zimbabwe's parliament on Tuesday also approved the Suppression of Foreign and International Terrorism Bill, which the government said would enable the country to fight international terrorism and mercenary activities. - Reuters
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