Zimbabwe rights activist who leaked details on diamond crimes denied bail, High Court rules

Zimbabwe diamond-crimes whistleblower denied bail

HARARE, Zimbabwe — A judge in Zimbabwe has refused bail to an activist accused of passing false information on diamond-mining violations to the international diamond control body.

Judge Chinembiri Bhunu said Monday the accusations against rights activist Farai Maguwu justify his detention until police investigations are complete. He says Maguwu’s claims of mistreatment in custody are not enough to secure his release.

Maguwu was arrested June 3 and denies the charges. They include possessing false information on the violations and theft of state security documents, offenses carrying a penalty of up to 20 years in jail.

The ruling coincides with the opening of Kimberley Process talks to decide if Zimbabwe can sell its diamonds on the world market.