Friday, July 17

Zimbabwe Police Use Dogs Tear Gas Against Opposition

Zimbabwean police Saturday used dogs and tear gas to break up the country's main opposition party rally as President Emmerson Mnangagwa delivered an address a few kilometers away unhindered.

Police descended on thousands of unsuspecting members of the Zimbabwe Citizens’ Coalition for Change waiting for their leader, Nelson Chamisa, to address them in Gokwe, about 300km southwest of Harare for VOA News. The police used dogs and tear gas to disperse the rally for allegedly violating COVID-19 regulations barring more than 100 people from gathering.

Fadzayi Mahere, spokeswoman of Citizens’ Coalition for Change, was among them and blames President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“We saw a regrettable selective application of the law by the Zimbabwe Republic Police. So, the police, on Mr. Mnangagwa’s instructions, made an about turn and purported to prohibit our rally, contrary to law and constitution. No explanation was given why our rally was banned, whereas Mr. Mnangagwa’s rallies are allowed to proceed. A further concern is the abuse of COVID regulations as a weapon to shrink the democratic space. As the Citizens’ Coalition for Change we continue to demand a level playing field.”

Zimbabwe’s home affairs minister, Kazembe Kazembe, who is in charge of police, refused to comment Sunday.

Harare-based political commentator Rejoice Ngwenya says Mnangagwa’s government seems to be taking the template from its predecessor. The late Robert Mugabe’s administration used to crush opposition gatherings.

“President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government, which has been calling for lifting of sanctions, saying all is now well, is now crushing the opposition’s gatherings, said Ngwenya. "It shows that ZANU-PF’s ugly way of doing things from the days of Mugabe of suppressing the opposition is still there. So that it means nothing will change – in terms of sanctions – unless the government changes the way it treats the opposition. This is not the new dispensation which people were looking forward to. We are still in Mugabe’s days.”

The opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change said that its rally scheduled for Sunday in Kwekwe, about 300 kilometers south of Harare, would go ahead. Zimbabwe holds by-elections on March 26 to fill some seats in Parliament that have become vacant since the last election, in 2018.

  • Share:

Info News

Best Car Insurance Quotes Online: How to Compare Rates and Save Money

Finding the best car insurance quote online is one of the easiest ways to save money on your monthly expenses. Many drivers stay with the same insurance company for years without checking whether they could qualify for a lower rate. The problem is that insurance prices can change based on your age, driving record, location, vehicle type, credit profile, and even how many miles you drive each year.

When comparing car insurance quotes, do not only look at the monthly premium. A cheaper policy may have higher deductibles, lower liability limits, or fewer benefits. The best policy is one that gives you strong protection at a price you can afford.

Start by comparing liability coverage. This pays for damage or injuries you may cause to others in an accident. Most states require minimum liability insurance, but minimum coverage may not be enough if you are involved in a serious crash. Many drivers choose higher limits to protect their savings and assets.

Next, review collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision helps pay for repairs to your vehicle after an accident. Comprehensive coverage helps with damage caused by theft, storms, vandalism, fire, or falling objects. If your car is financed or leased, your lender may require both.

Another important factor is the deductible. A higher deductible usually lowers your monthly premium, but it also means you pay more out of pocket after a claim. Choose a deductible you could realistically afford in an emergency.

To get accurate online quotes, use the same information for every quote request. Enter the same vehicle details, coverage limits, deductible, mileage, and driver information. This makes it easier to compare policies fairly.

You can also save money by asking about discounts. Common discounts include safe driver discounts, multi-policy discounts, good student discounts, defensive driving discounts, low-mileage discounts, and paperless billing discounts.

Before choosing a policy, check the company’s customer service reputation, claim process, mobile app reviews, and financial strength. A low premium is not helpful if the company is difficult to reach when you need help.

The best way to lower your car insurance cost is to compare quotes at least once a year. Life changes such as moving, buying a new car, improving your credit, getting married, or adding another policy can affect your rate. By shopping around regularly, you can make sure you are not overpaying for coverage.

Military Divorce Lawyer: Special Rules for Service Members and Spouses

 Military Divorce Lawyer: Divorce Help for Service Members and Spouses
Learn how military divorce differs from civilian divorce, including retirement division, custody, deployment, benefits, support, and jurisdiction issues.
 military divorce lawyer, military divorce attorney, divorce military spouse, military retirement divorce, service member divorce, military family law attorney

Military Divorce Lawyer: Special Rules for Service Members and Spouses

Military divorce can be more complicated than a civilian divorce.

Service members and spouses may face special issues involving military retirement, deployment, housing benefits, health coverage, custody, support, and jurisdiction.

A military divorce lawyer helps families understand how military rules and state divorce laws interact.

What Makes Military Divorce Different?

Military divorce may involve:

Active duty service
Deployment
Frequent relocation
Military retirement
BAH and BAS income
TRICARE issues
Survivor Benefit Plan
Parenting during deployment
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
VA disability benefits
Military pensions
Jurisdiction questions

These issues require careful handling.

Where Should a Military Divorce Be Filed?

Military families may have ties to multiple states.

Possible filing locations may include:

Where the service member is stationed
Where the spouse lives
Where the service member claims legal residence
Where the children live
Where property is located

Jurisdiction can affect custody, support, and property division.

Military Retirement and Divorce

Military retirement can be one of the most valuable marital assets.

Important questions include:

How much of the retirement is marital?
How will it be divided?
Is a military pension division order needed?
Does the 10/10 rule apply for direct payment?
What happens if the service member is not retired yet?
How does disability pay affect division?
Should Survivor Benefit Plan coverage be addressed?

A lawyer should draft retirement language carefully.

Custody and Deployment

Deployment can complicate parenting plans.

A military parenting plan may address:

Temporary custody during deployment
Virtual communication
Make-up parenting time
Travel costs
Notice requirements
Return-from-deployment schedule
Decision-making during absence
Family care plans

Courts generally try to protect the child’s stability while recognizing military obligations.

Child Support and Spousal Support

Military income may include:

Base pay
Basic Allowance for Housing
Basic Allowance for Subsistence
Special pay
Bonuses
Retirement pay
Disability pay

Support calculations may need careful review because military pay has multiple parts.

Health Insurance and Benefits

Divorce may affect access to TRICARE and other benefits.

Some former spouses may qualify under specific military rules, but eligibility depends on marriage length, service overlap, and other factors.

Do not assume benefits continue automatically after divorce.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act may provide protections for active duty service members in certain civil cases, including possible delays when military service affects the ability to participate.

This does not make divorce impossible, but it may affect timing.

Why Legal Help Matters

Military divorce mistakes can affect:

Retirement division
Survivor benefits
Custody schedules
Support amounts
Health coverage
Tax issues
Future enforcement
Direct pension payments

A regular divorce lawyer may not understand military-specific rules.

Final Thoughts

A military divorce lawyer can help service members and spouses navigate the unique legal and financial issues involved in military family law.

If your divorce involves deployment, military retirement, TRICARE, BAH, custody across states, or service-related benefits, get legal guidance before signing any agreement.