Harare bans street preachers in city center

Harare authorities banned open-air preaching along First Street and other hotspots, as reported by DailyNews. The move targets religious gatherings that city officials claim cause congestion and noise, but has drawn accusations of overreach. The ban has sparked criticism from religious groups who argue it infringes on freedom of worship and targets specific denominations, particularly Pentecostal churches. Critics also warn that the measure could be used to suppress dissent under the guise of public order, given Zimbabwe's history of restricting civil liberties. City officials argue that the ban is necessary to maintain public order and reduce noise pollution in the central business district. The core vulnerability: the ban risks inflaming religious freedom tensions and could be used to suppress dissent under the guise of public order, further straining relations between the government and religious communities and undermining public trust.