Baptist minister Evan Mawarire become a public figure in Zimbabwe after starting his #ThisFlag social media campaign in April, which he said was motivated by his despair, and which highlighted growing public anger over corruption, unemployment and economic woes in the country.

The oldest leader in Africa and Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, 92, has been at the helm of the country since its independence in 1980. Since then the country descended into economic woes and now has a reputation for rights abuses.

Mugabe's government has now taken action action Mawarire after his online videos – calling for a mass stay away – garnered support from thousands of unpaid civil servants in Zimbabwe.