#Free Hopewell gains momentum

Hopewell Chin’ono has become an internet sensation. The recent refusal to grant him bail at Harare magistrates court has made him even more famous. The award winning journalist has been trending with international platforms covering his plight.

Chin’ono was arrested on allegations of inciting public violence. The charges arose out of a planned protest movement on 31 July. Chin’ono was on the forefront of organising the protests when police seized him and locked him up. He will languish in prison following the refusal of bail. His next court appearance is on 7 August.

A #Free Hopewell movement has escalated on social media with celebrities even taking the initiative seriously. Chin’ono was arrested together with an MDC activist who was also denied bail. It remains to be seen what Hopewell’s fate will be.

Hopewell has now become an icon with the international community and various people have been rallying behind him. Speaking after his bail hearing, Chin’ono said journalism had now been criminalised. He also said he was well and would be back in court on the 7th. Critics have however said the movement will not yield any results