Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Zimbabwe prosecutors agreed today to postpone from Monday the terrorism trial of an ally of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai after his lawyers argued that they had been given little time to prepare their case.
Roy Bennett, a senior white Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) official, has been charged with illegal possession of arms for purposes of committing terrorism and banditry.
He denies the charge that carries a possible death penalty upon conviction.
Bennett was indicted to stand trial on Wednesday and immediately detained in prison. He was released late yesterday after a High Court judge admitted him to bail.
"It was agreed that the trial be postponed as we have not given them (the defence) enough time. We had given them two days instead of the minimum 10 days required by law," Chris Mutangadura told reporters today.
Bennett will appear in court on Monday when his lawyers would ask the trial judge to set a new date. Prosecutors want the trial to start on Oct. 27, but defence lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa said her team would ask for more time.
"We have proposed that the matter be heard on a later date, however the issue is that Bennett wants this case to be finalised," said Mtetwa.
Bennett, a former white commercial farmer, is Tsvangirai's nominee for the post of deputy agriculture minister but President Mugabe has refused to swear him in until he is acquitted.
Tsvangirai said yesterday the MDC would boycott the country's power-sharing government until sticking points had been resolved and a political deal was reached, sparking the biggest crisis since the coalition was formed nine months ago.
He said the MDC would disengage from Mugabe's "dishonest and unreliable" ZANU-PF party in the country's unity cabinet set up in February.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments