Zimbabwe Opposition Accuses Government of Trying to Undermine Judiciary

HARARE - Critics are accusing Zimbabwe's ruling party of seeking to undermine the judiciary after lawmakers late Tuesday approved constitutional amendments so the president can hand pick top judges. 

The amendments, which await President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s signature to become law, allow him to choose judges for the Constitutional, Supreme and High Courts without the approval of legislators.    Long-time ruler Robert Mugabe had similar powers for years until they were stripped away in the constitution that was passed in 2013.  Dewa Mavhinga, head of Human Rights Watch in southern Africa, urged rights organizations in Zimbabwe to challenge the law in court or hold protests.