Zimbabwe bill would clamp down on NGOs

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — New restrictions proposed by the government would ban foreign human-rights groups, prevent local groups from receiving foreign funding and thus close some charities and require the regime's approval for churches' charitable activities.

The Non-Governmental Organizations Bill would require all non-governmental groups to register with a state-dominated regulatory council and disclose details of their programs and funding. Groups refused licenses would be shut down and officials who continue operations would face up to six months in jail.

Churches and aid groups say the ban on foreign funding is likely to deprive assistance to millions of impoverished Zimbabweans suffering the country's worst economic crisis since independence in 1980.

The bill is expected to be approved by the ruling-party-dominated Parliament after it reconvenes Oct. 5.

President Robert Mugabe, 80, has repeatedly castigated church leaders, charities and human-rights groups for criticizing his increasingly autocratic government. Nongovernmental groups have documented alleged human-rights violations amid political violence, blamed mostly on ruling party militants, that has killed 200 people and driven tens of thousands from their homes.