Zimbabwe's 'Patriotic Bill' outlaws criticism of government before election

Supporters of President Emmerson Mnangagwa are seen during the opening of a new Parliament Building in Harare, Zimbabwe, October 1, 2019. REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo/File Photo

HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's parliament has outlawed criticism of the government ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections in August, with violations of a new law punishable by up to 20 years in jail.

The Criminal Law Code Amendment Bill, widely known as the "Patriotic Bill", contains a clause that criminalises "wilfully damaging the sovereignty and national interest of Zimbabwe".