Zim Government Announces 20 Years In Prison For Spreading Fake News About Coronavirus

By Staff Reporter
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49021
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March 30, 2020

The government has gazetted tough new laws that could see people spending up to 20 years in prison for spreading fake news on the novel coronavirus. According to Statutory Instrument 83 of 2020, people who peddle information deemed false by the government face up to 20 years in prison, a hefty fine or both.

“For the avoidance of doubt any person who publishes or communicates false news about any public officer involved with enforcing or implementing the national lockdown in his or her capacity as such, or about any private individual that has the effect of prejudicing the state’s enforcement of the national lockdown, shall be liable for prosecution under section 31 of the Criminal Law Code and liable to the penalty there provided, that is to say a fine up to or exceeding level fourteen or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 20 years or both,” the regulations read in part.

Publishing falsehoods prejudicial to the state’s defence and economic interests is already criminalised.

Zimbabwe already has tough information laws and this will be seen as the latest effort to muzzle free speech.

The government has been accused of not being truthful about the scale of the coronavirus, but the latest measures could see people being jailed for contradicting the authorities’ version of events.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday announced a complete lockdown that begins at midnight, but industry and analysts argue that the fragility of Zimbabwe’s economy does not allow for a complete lockdown.

The government has reported seven confirmed cases and one death due to the novel coronavirus.

More than 90% of Zimbabweans are in the informal sector and staying at home, observers say, would mean loss of income.

Tension remains in Harare ahead of the lockdown as the deployment of soldiers on the streets evoke memories of wanton beatings of unarmed civilians in the streets.

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Mesothelioma Lawsuit: How the Legal Process Works

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Mesothelioma Lawsuit: How the Legal Process Works

A mesothelioma lawsuit is a legal claim filed by a person diagnosed with mesothelioma or by surviving family members after a death.

These lawsuits usually claim that asbestos exposure caused the disease and that one or more companies are legally responsible.

Because mesothelioma is closely linked to asbestos, the legal process often focuses on finding where exposure happened and which products or companies were involved.

Step 1: Medical Diagnosis

A lawsuit usually begins with a confirmed medical diagnosis.

Important records may include:

Pathology report
Imaging scans
Oncology records
Surgical records
Pulmonary records
Treatment plan
Cancer center records
Death certificate, if applicable

Medical proof is essential.

Step 2: Exposure Investigation

The lawyer investigates when, where, and how asbestos exposure occurred.

This may include:

Jobsite history
Military service
Home renovation history
Product use
Coworker interviews
Union records
Employment records
Old company documents
Family exposure history

This step is critical because exposure may have happened decades before diagnosis.

Step 3: Identifying Responsible Companies

A mesothelioma lawsuit may name companies that:

Manufactured asbestos products
Supplied asbestos materials
Installed asbestos insulation
Owned dangerous worksites
Failed to warn workers
Sold asbestos-containing equipment
Used asbestos in products

Some companies may no longer exist, but trust fund claims may still be possible.

Step 4: Filing the Lawsuit

The lawsuit is filed in court before the legal deadline expires.

The complaint may describe:

The diagnosis
Exposure history
Responsible companies
Legal claims
Damages
Family impact

After filing, defendants respond.

Step 5: Discovery

Discovery is the evidence-gathering phase.

It may include:

Written questions
Document requests
Depositions
Company records
Expert reports
Medical records
Exposure evidence

Because mesothelioma patients may be seriously ill, courts may sometimes move quickly to preserve testimony.

Step 6: Settlement Negotiations

Many mesothelioma lawsuits settle before trial.

Settlement value may depend on:

Diagnosis
Exposure evidence
Number of defendants
State law
Medical costs
Lost income
Age
Family impact
Strength of evidence
Trial risk

No lawyer can guarantee a settlement amount.

Step 7: Trial

If settlement is not reached, the case may go to trial.

At trial, both sides present evidence. A judge or jury may decide liability and damages.

Some cases settle during trial preparation.

Mesothelioma Lawsuit Deadline

Every state has filing deadlines. Mesothelioma cases often have special timing issues because the disease may appear decades after asbestos exposure.

The diagnosis date or death date may matter.

A lawyer should review deadlines immediately.

Final Thoughts

A mesothelioma lawsuit can help patients and families seek compensation from companies responsible for asbestos exposure.

The process requires medical proof, exposure investigation, product identification, and legal strategy.

Because deadlines are strict, anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma should speak with an experienced asbestos lawyer as soon as possible.

Real Estate Investment: Building Long-Term Wealth

Real estate remains one of the most reliable ways to build long-term wealth. Investing in rental properties or commercial spaces can generate steady income while property values appreciate over time. Many investors see real estate as a stable addition to their financial portfolio.

Successful investing requires careful research, including market trends, property location, and financing options. Understanding risks such as maintenance costs and market fluctuations helps investors make informed decisions. With the right strategy, real estate can provide both income and financial security.