Dangarembga was arrested in July 2020 for staging a government-critical demonstration in the Harare suburb of Borrowdale.

She was then accused of inciting violence and of violating health regulations in connection with the corona pandemic after wearing a sign that read "We want better - reform our institutions" together with another woman.

She was released the next day on bail.

Now, almost two years later, the trial has still not started and Dangarembga has applied for the case to be closed due to lack of evidence.

A court was due to rule on her application on Monday, but issued a request for detention when she did not appear.

Medical reasons

The reason she missed the trial was due to a doctor's visit to Germany.

Her lawyer Chris Mhike told AFP, who also said she would try to have her arrest warrant revoked.

Tsitsi Dangarembga is an internationally acclaimed author and filmmaker and has, among other things, received the International Pen's Freedom of Expression Award, the German Bookstore's Peace Prize and been among the finalists for the Booker Prize.

She is also one of many well-known authors who have been selected to write for the Norwegian project "The future library".

Tsitsi Dangarembga is also a member of the jury of the Berlin International Film Festival.

Last week, the festival called on the Zimbabwean government to release Dangarembga "from all charges, or to close the case."

See an interview with Tsitsi Dangarembga from 2008 in the clip below.

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Interview with Tsitsi Dangarembga 2008