Zimbabwe activist pastor freed on bail

Zimbabwean activist pastor Evan Mawarire was on Wednesday freed on bail.

The activist who has been behind the social media campaign known by the hashtag # ThisFlag, calling on president Mugabe’s government to address Zimbabwe’s ailing economy and to respect human rights, was arrested last week on his return to Zimbabwe after 6 months abroad.

He had been charged with inciting public violence and disturbing peace.

Mawarire was absent when Zimbabwe’s high court granted him a $300 bail .The high court judge said the case against him was weak and he was not likely to abscond and showed a willingness to stand trial.

His trial date is yet to be set but if convicted he could face up to 20 years in prison.