peter
THE United States of America enacted the Patriot Act in 2001, which was a landmark Act of the United States Congress, signed into law by then President George W Bush. The formal name of the statute is Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act of 2001.
Online research shows that the “The Patriot Act was enacted following the September 11 attacks and the 2001 anthrax attacks with the stated goal of tightening US national security, particularly as it related to foreign terrorism.
In general, the act included three main provisions: expanded surveillance abilities of law enforcement, including by tapping domestic and international phones; easier inter-agency communication to allow federal agencies to more effectively use all available resources in counter-terrorism efforts; and increased penalties for terrorism crimes and an expanded list of activities which would qualify for terrorism charge.”
There are many other such laws across the globe, as nations seek to protect themselves from unwarranted attacks which cause instability. When the US enacted the law, there was little noise about it, yet when some countries, Zimbabwe in particular, seek to come up with a law to protect its national interest and integrity, there are hullabaloos.
Nonetheless, we find the move by Cabinet to approve the Patriotic bill worthwhile and a step in the right direction. The country has suffered damage from lies and mischievous statements from local opposition members and their supporters; something that has to come to a stop. We find it strange why locals find satisfaction in damaging their own country.
Last week, our sister paper, The Herald, reported that amendments to the criminal code approved by Cabinet will impose stiffer penalties for those who campaign against the country through private correspondence with foreign governments and harm national interests.
Acting Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere, standing in for Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, said Cabinet considered and approved the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Bill, 2022, presented by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi in his capacity as chairman of the Cabinet committee on legislation.
“The Bill enhanced the provisions of the Criminal Law Code in matters relating to the country’s sovereignty through the criminalisation of conduct that undermined Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, dignity, independence and national interests. The patriotism aspects had been mooted for some time after it emerged that some opposition elements were globe-trotting around Western capitals calling for the imposition of illegal sanctions for their political gain.”
Online Reporter