Zimbabwe dissident in asylum plea
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.Roy Bennett, the fugitive Zimbabwean opposition leader who is seeking asylum in South Africa, said that Pretoria must recognise his country is led by a tyrant, and allow opponents refuge so they can organise against Robert Mugabe.
Mr Bennett fled to South Africa in March when Zimbabwean state television reported that he was the ringleader of a plot to overthrow President Mugabe's government by force.
The South African government refused Mr Bennett's asylum request last week, saying he could get a fair trial in his homeland. Mr Bennett, who denies the plot claims, is appealing against the decision."It's high time the South African government recognised... Robert Mugabe and his regime has totalitarian rule, has institutionalised violence, has institutionalised theft," he said in his first public appearance in Johannesburg. He was supported by black members of his party and human rights activists.
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