Zimbabwe’s MPs have passed a law to allow the government to monitor e-mails, telephone calls, the internet and postal communications.
Opposition MP David Coltart called it a “fascist piece of legislation” aimed at cracking down on political dissent.
But Communications Minister Christopher Mushowe defended it, saying it was similar to anti-terror laws elsewhere such as in the UK, US and South Africa.
“These are countries which are re-garded as the beacons of democracy,” he said.
The Interception of Communications Bill now passes to the Senate, where it is expected to face little opposition, Reuters news agency reports.
President Robert Mugabe’s govern-ment already faces criticism for laws that curtail free speech and move-ment.
The bill obliges internet service providers (ISPs) to install equipment, at their own expense, which will allow a monitoring service to intercept e-mails. The communications minister will be able to issue warrants for interception. And senior police, security and revenue service officials will be able to apply to the minister to issue a warrant.
Critics say the law does not make provision for such decisions to be reviewed by the judiciary.
“This law is about the interception of fundamental rights of our citizens and this house should refuse such frivolous and out rightly undemocratic laws,” Nelson Chamisa, an MP for the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), said during the parliamentary debate.
“Most provisions are injurious and the law will be used as an arrow aimed against trade unions, civil society, media and political parties involved in genuine political engagements,” he said.