The Herald (Harare)
Published by the government of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe: Even U.S. Laws Would Find MDC-T Subversive

Lloyd Whitefield Butler Jnr

27 May 2008


A Press statement made by MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai recently did not even mention the word "sanctions".

If Tsvangirai was trustworthy and was respected by the US and Britain, they would have given him the authority to eliminate all manner of sanctions illegally imposed on Zimbabwe.

Or, as an act of support, the West should lift the sanctions on his behalf to demonstrate honorable support and appreciation for his leadership. The Press statement in question is full of emotive accusations and slander to appeal to mob rule.

No facts are given to substantiate claims. No mention of source material verifying his theory. The language and vocabulary used is a mirror image of Tsvangirai's state of mind.

The terms: "Steal victory from fellow brothers and sisters by using guns, sticks and screwdrivers; cold and callous; are ready for the final round; betrayed and traumatised; unleashed violence on his own children; Are we brave enough? Are we strong enough? Are we angry enough? Illegitimate regime of Zanu-PF to access more weapons for use against its own people."

These are words of a man scared and under duress of his overseers.

The statement is a reflection of a hapless and sad man with only one brief: Destroy President Mugabe and Zanu-PF and you will be rich.

The article "Zanu-PF should set conditions for run-off" in The Herald is excellent for political and economic discussions and public interest.

The conditions should be centred on:

The foregoing provisions and/or conditions should be made available by MDC-T, which presented them to the world as fact.

Treason, sedition and subversive activities are the federal charges MDC-T and its leadership would surely face if American laws where instituted in Zimbabwe.

The Government would have the legal right to arrest the MDC-T leadership through means of "extraordinary rendition" where "torture by proxy" is authorised.

The political behaviour of MDC-T in calling for and supporting illegal economic and trade sanctions against Zimbabwe in an attempt to cripple its infrastructure and invite foreign military forces and corporations; just for a change of government, are acts of treason without question according to US law.

In the US, a citizen can be charged with "conspiracy" for the mere mentioning of such subversive acts.

Under United States Code -- Treason, Sedition and Subversive Activities -- Title 18, Part I > Chapter 115 as currently published by the US government which reflects the laws passed by US Congress as of January 2, 2006 if applied to MDC-T would land them in Guantanamo Camp X-Ray prison.

The penalties can be death, life imprisonment, harsh confinement or as is presently done in America prison without trial or hearing.

For example, the following are seven US Codes that the MDC-T leadership should mull over for having already overtly supported foreign intervention in Zimbabwe's internal affairs: (The author put Zimbabwe in brackets for emphasis)

Section 2381. Treason: Whoever, owing allegiance to (Zimbabwe) the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within (Zimbabwe) the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than US$10 000; and shall be incapable of holding any office (in Zimbabwe) under the United States.

Section 2382. Misprision of treason: Whoever, owing allegiance to (Zimbabwe) the United States and having knowledge of the commission of any treason against them, conceals and does not, as soon as may be, disclose and make known the same to the President or to some judge of (Zimbabwe) the United States, or to the governor or to some judge or justice of a particular State, is guilty of misprision of treason and shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than seven years, or both.

Section 2383. Rebellion or insurrection: Whoever incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of (Zimbabwe) the United States or the laws thereof, or gives aid or comfort thereto, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.

Section 2384. Seditious conspiracy: If two or more persons in any State or Territory, or in any place subject to the jurisdiction of (Zimbabwe) the United States, conspire to overthrow, put down, or to destroy by force the Government of the United States, or to levy war against them, or to oppose by force the authority thereof, or by force to prevent, hinder, or delay the execution of any law of the United States, or by force to seize, take, or possess any property of (Zimbabwe) the United States contrary to the authority thereof, they shall each be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than twenty years, or both.

Section 2385. Advocating overthrow of Government: Whoever knowingly or willfully advocates, abets, advises, or teaches the duty, necessity, desirability, or propriety of overthrowing or destroying the government of (Zimbabwe) the United States or the government of any State, Territory, District or Possession thereof, or the government of any political subdivision therein, by force or violence, or by the assassination of any officer of any such government; or Whoever, with intent to cause the overthrow or destruction of any such government, prints, publishes, edits, issues, circulates, sells, distributes, or publicly displays any written or printed matter advocating, advising, or teaching the duty, necessity, desirability, or propriety of overthrowing or destroying any government in (Zimbabwe) the United States by force or violence, or attempts to do so; or . . .

Section 2389. Recruiting for service against (Zimbabwe) United States: Whoever recruits soldiers or sailors within (Zimbabwe) the United States, or in any place subject to the jurisdiction thereof, to engage in armed hostility against the same; or Whoever opens within (Zimbabwe) the United States, or in any place subject to the jurisdiction thereof, a recruiting station for the enlistment of such soldiers or sailors to serve in any manner in armed hostility against the United States . . .

Section 2390. Enlistment to serve against (Zimbabwe) United States: Whoever enlists or is engaged within (Zimbabwe) the United States or in any place subject to the jurisdiction thereof, with intent to serve in armed hostility against (Zimbabwe) the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.

It is also against the law of (Zimbabwe) the United States Constitution to intervene in foreign governmental affairs, particularly if the nation is not a threat.

In South Africa, if US Codes were applied there the codes would have resulted in imprisonment for the International Transport Workers with charges of Treason, Sedition and Subversive Activities in their refusal to unload government cleared freight (i.e. a shipment from China to Zimbabwe via South Africa).

A visit to their ITF's website (http://www.itfglobal. org/press-area/index.cfm/pressdetail/1936) reveals their emissary surveillance network; it says: "International Transport Workers' Federation -- Press area

"An Yue Jiang news. Ship makes no attempt to offload arms, trade unions report.

"The ITF understands that the An Yue Jiang left Luanda during the afternoon of 4th of May and headed southbound at around 10 knots. We believe she passed Ponta Da Marca (Angola) earlier today and if speed and weather remain constant should arrive off, or pass, Cape Town on or around 12th May. The vessel's next stop is not known at this stage.

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Author: Tendai
Tue May 27 16:14:35 2008

Happy black American dude oblivious to the suffering of Zimbabweans, not knowing what he is talking about, supporting a regime that is systematically destroying the lives of 13 million people, black people.

Author: Norman Mataruka
Tue May 27 17:43:40 2008

Kwayedza wee ve Herald, wake up and smell the coffee! I think the truth is that BOB is indeed under pressure. Remember he can not say all the rubbish he used to say about Morgan because the truth is Morgan beat him on March 29. His campaign for the re-run will be full of this land nonsense, personal hate and nothing really of value! Herald yakangofanana ne Hure, pamusi wa 28 Juni they will be attempting to suck up to MDC because some foolish editor will need to keep a job! Chipepa chenhando, manje Tasvinura mabhoi! Morgan NDIZVO, kurohwa kana… [Read Full Text]

Author: J kama
Tue May 27 19:33:08 2008

Actually, this is a correct assesment of MDC_T misconducts. I am an African student living in the U.S, and I can tell you that, the U.S law is very strict on its citizens. Infact, I don't consider the U.S a free country. The gov't knows alot a bout you; and you can not hide even a little bit. You have a number to ID you, your financial record at every transaction etc.

In the U.S , the MDC-T would have been disqualified and deregistered long ago. Even in Europe, and the U.K in particular, there would… [Read Full Text]

Author: mindpower
Tue May 27 21:25:26 2008

What's your evidence that MDC is a "stooge" party? You've been reading too much ZANU-PF propaganda!

Author: Nyarai
Tue May 27 22:08:07 2008

Are these comments from truly patriotic Zimbabweans or people on the pay roll of the political party that has been using tax payers money to kill innocent unarmed civilians for "voting wrongly"? The only party card I ever held was a ZANU PF card and yet I think that just like individuals parties need to to take a long hard look at themselves. How will the current regn of terror ever endaer ZANU PF to the average peace-loving Zimbabwean citizens? Read a helpful article below I think this will enable you to have an informed opinion about current events in… [Read Full Text]

Author: sybhebhe
Tue May 27 22:57:41 2008

In a land of democracy my dear there is what is called opposition parties. They have every right to oppose the government in the name of democracy. Thats why in America they have the Replicans, democrates and liberals. Thats why in South Africa there is UDM, Inkatha Freedom Party and others. The list goes on and on and on. MDC T oz MDC-X or Z has every right to stand for office and oppose the Zanu government. Zanu has to prove them wrong by delivering than victimising its own citizens, or even trying to kill the opposition of any kind… [Read Full Text]

Author: Glyph
Wed May 28 16:53:07 2008

You have a number to ID you? Really? Sounds positively Orewllian. Do they tattoo it on you or is it stored on a chip under your skin?

Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Assembly, No punishment without law, Due Process in the courts, Freedom to keep and bear arms, freedom to worship, freedom of expression and an election every four years. It can't be that bad if you're a voluntary guest of the US Government. Maybe you'd prefer to be in Zimbabwe?

Hmm I wonder if the Department of Homeland Security are watching?

Author: mindpower
Tue May 27 19:16:17 2008

Why should Morgan use the word "sanctions" when there are no sanctions against Zim?

Typical Herald propaganda. What a load of rubbish.

See all comments (13).



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