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Zimbabwe adopts 'draconian' law banning government criticism

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Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa delivers his State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the parliament building in Harare, Zimbabwe, November 23, 2022. [Reuters]

Zimbabwe's parliament approved a controversial law that ostensibly promotes patriotism but has been denounced by the opposition as a "draconian" attempt to stifle dissent ahead of national elections.

The bill, passed by the lower house on Wednesday evening, criminalizes acts that damage "the sovereignty and national interest" of the southern African country.

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