Zimbabwe bans criticism of government before elections with severe penalties.

Zimbabwe's parliament has passed a law that criminalizes criticism of the government before the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in August. The law, known as the "patriotic bill," has raised concerns that the government could launch a crackdown on dissent before the elections. Violations of the law are punishable by up to 20 years in jail. Opposition activists say the law is designed to punish citizens, civil society organizations, and political adversaries of the ruling Zanu-PF party.