Ÿ acquitted by Harare Magistrate Victoria Mashamba after standing trial on charges of public violence as defined in section 36 (1)(a) of the Criminal Code. Ÿ On 18 May, Chitungwiza Magistrate Blessing Murwisi acquitted Pastor Phillip Mugadza who had been on trial on charges of criminal nuisance after he tied himself to some steel rails at Africa Unity Square in Harare while protesting against former President Robert Mugabe's administration in November 2016. Ÿ On 11 October, police arrested Peter Mutasa, president of the ZCTU, and several trade unionists in Harare and other major city centres for demonstrations planned against the government’s 2% tax on electronic transactions. In Harare, 27 ZCTU staff and union members were illegally detained at their Gorlon House offices by ZRP officers after the arrest of the labour union’s leaders in a pre-emptive strike to thwart an anti-government protest organised to protest against government’s disastrous economic policies. In Mutare, 20 ZCTU leaders and members, spent the night in police custody. In Masvingo, 12 ZCTU leaders and members spent several hours in police detention. On 11 October, Harare Magistrate Lanzini Ncube dismissed an application seeking to overturn the ZRP ban of ZCTU’s anti-government protest, citing the cholera outbreak and that the protest could turn violent as there was discontentment among citizens over the economic situation. Ÿ 19 December, 14 leaders and members of ARTUZ were set free after Harare Magistrate Victoria Mashamba dismissed disorderly conduct charges brought against them after a demonstration against poor salaries and working conditions. The ARTUZ leaders and members were arrested on 18 December and charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly blocking a road in Ruwa while holding and waving placards. The labour unionists were on a several days march which commenced in Mutare and eventually ended in Harare. ARTUZ President Obert Masaraure was also charged with failing to notify the ZRP of their intention to hold a public gathering in contravention of section 25(1) of POSA. Earlier that week, ZRP officers had arrested 9 ARTUZ leaders and members on 15 December in Macheke, Mashonaland East province. In Mutare, 20 ZCTU leaders and members, spent the night in police custody. 33 STATE OF HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT ZIMBABWE 2018