(Last Updated on November 28, 2020 by Editor)
HARARE – Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa on Friday denied veteran and award winning journalist, Hopewell Chino’no temporary access to his passport – which he requires in order travel outside the country for medical treatment.
Chino’no was ordered to surrender his passport as part of the set conditions for his release on bail after he was arrested on allegations of inciting public violence.
Due to the shambolic state the healthcare system is in, Chino’no sought his passport to travel outside the country.
On behalf of the State, Lancelot Mutsokoti opposed his application, arguing that Chino’no might violate his bail condition by tweeting while outside the country.
Chino’no through his lawyer, Beatrice Mtetwa argued that it was every citizen’s right to access healthcare, while pointing out the state of the country’s health system.
“My learned friend is saying if Hopewell Chin’ono has a medical condition, he should die from it,” argued Mtetwa in response.
“Bail conditions are not there as a punishment or there to deny one of their basic rights,” added Mtetwa.