This analysis explains what freedom of expression, assembly and association entails and the extent to which the Zimbabwean government has guaranteed the enjoyment of these freedoms.
It is found that despite provisions in the Constitution protecting the right to freedom of expression, assembly and association, the government and state security operatives have committed widespread human rights violations by restricting these freedoms.
The Public Order and Security Act enacted before and the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act a few days after the elections. These pieces of legislation are repressive as they limit
public debate as well as criticism of the government. Key provisions of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act have contributed to the shrinkage of democratic space in the country when used by the police to justify arrests.