Harare – A Harare magistrate has denied bail to ten protesters, including several senior citizens, ordering them to remain in custody until December 27, 2025, in a case that human rights groups describe as part of a systematic government crackdown on dissent.

In a virtual court hearing held Tuesday, 9 December 2025, the ten individuals were remanded in custody after Magistrate Caroline Kuhudzayi refused their release.

Defense lawyer Brighton Sadowero stated that the court gave no reasons for the bail denial and the lengthy remand period.

“Their case has been postponed to 27 December 2025. But no reasons were given regards why bail was denied and the case postponed to after Christmas.”

Prosecutors allege that on October 17, the group gathered near Africa Unity Square in Harare, intending to join an unsanctioned “One Million Man March” against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government. The protest was promoted via social media by fugitive political activist Blessed Runesu Geza, who has accused the president of betraying the nation and aligning with “economic saboteurs”.

The group, aged between 48 and 75, is being charged with “participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigerty” under the Criminal Law Code.

The accused are Rose Chirenje (65), Nyarai Chigudu (52), Kenesia Jera (62), Edward Mandikutse (69), Dexter Jena (69), who is reported to be sick, Hazvinei Machingura (69), Stephen Chagwiza (48), Jacob Masaraure (75), Mapengo Mapengo (57) and Joephrey Chigwerewe (70).

In opposing bail, Detective Sergeant Lovemore Chisi of the CID Law and Order section argued that releasing the accused could “reignite unrest or embolden others” and threaten national security.

He also contended the group might abscond trial given the potential for a lengthy prison sentence upon conviction. Police claimed they found stones and other missiles hidden near the alleged protest site.

Reports indicate the group includes ex-combatants, and they were ordered to apply for bail at the High Court, suggesting the lower magistrate’s court deemed the charges too serious for its jurisdiction.

The continued detention raises immediate concerns for the health of at least one accused, 69-year-old Dexter Jena, who is reported to be unwell. The case fits into a documented pattern in Zimbabwe.

Human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned the government’s tactics. Amnesty International has stated that Mnangagwa’s administration presides over a “systematic and brutal crackdown on human rights,” where authorities show “blatant contempt for basic freedoms”. A 2025 human rights briefing notes that repeated bail denials and prolonged remands are common methods used against activists.

This pattern was seen earlier in 2025 when nearly 100 people were arrested and denied bail following March protests. An Amnesty International urgent action also detailed the arbitrary detention and alleged torture of over 160 activists ahead of a regional summit in 2024.

The ten accused will remain in custody until their next court appearance on December 27, 2025. Their lawyer’s statement that no reasons were provided for the bail refusal will likely fuel further criticism from human rights observers who argue such legal processes are used to stifle opposition and punish government critics.