Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe's parliament has barred criticism of the government ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled in August.
According to reports, violations of the new law is punishable by up to 20 years in jail.
The Criminal Law Code Amendment Bill, widely known as the "Patriotic Bill", contains a clause that criminalises "wilfully damaging the sovereignty and national interest of Zimbabwe", Reuters quoted in a report.
the law, passed late on Wednesday, was designed to punish citizens, civil society organisations and political adversaries of the ruling ZANU-PF party.
It has raised fears that the government could launch a crackdown on dissent ahead of the general election on Aug. 23, where President Emmerson Mnangagwa will be seeking a second term.
lawyer and pastor Nelson Chamisa, 45, who leads the newly formed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) will be his main contender.
CCC spokesperson and lawyer, Fadzayi Mahere, described the law as "dangerous" and said it aimed at closing the democratic space ahead of elections.
"ZANU-PF has reduced our great nation into an outpost of tyranny," Mahere told Reuters.
Go to video
Tunisia sentences prominent opposition leader to 14 years in prison
02:02
Funeral held for Kenyan blogger whose death in police custody sparked violent protests
01:34
Police officers accused of shooting Nairobi hawker remanded in custody for 15 days
01:57
Father of shooting victim calls for Kenyan police to be held accountable
Go to video
Nigeria: Tinubu denies one-party plan after he's accused of clamping down on opposition
02:24
Celebration and protests: Nigeria marks 26 years of uninterrupted democracy