The Zimbabwean parliament passed the Public Order and...

The Zimbabwean parliament passed the Public Order and Security Bill and the General Laws Amendment Bill after a record 17-hour debate over the legislation.
The bills are now awaiting the approval of President Robert Mugabe before they become law.
The Public Order and Security Bill seeks to replace the colonial Law and Order Act and make provision for the maintenance of public order and security in the country.
According to the bill, any person who organizes or sets up or suggests the setting up of a group or body with a view to overthrowing the government by unconstitutional means, or supports such a group, shall be guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment for not more than 20 years without the option of a fine. Acts of insurgency, banditry, sabotage or terrorism will attract a death sentence or life imprisonment.
The country's main opposition party, Movement for Democratic Change, immediately branded the two bills as "a package of fascist rules" and said it would appeal against them in the court.