A Zimbabwe High Court has refused an activist pastor bail. Pastor Evan Mawarire was arrested last week and charged with subversion amid violent anti-government protests.

Mawarire is one of hundred people who are facing trial for their roles in the protests that took place during a social shutdown called by the main trade union congress, ZCTU.

Mawarire has revolted against the government in recent yearsand is seen as a constant figure in anti-government protests. He was arrested severally during the Mugabe regime for subversion and disrespecting the flag.

All charges against him were dropped after Mugabe was outsed in November 2017. He ran for a public office during the 2018 elections but lost.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced fuel hikes before flying for an European tour two weeks ago. He had to cut short his tour and return home amid a heavy clampdown by security agencies.

The president skipped the World Economic Forum, WEF, in Davos and slammed what he called a two-way chaotic event that saw soldiers beat, fire at and arrest protesters.