Zimbabwe's High Court has released on $500 bail a Czech tourist who had been in detention since August 1, New Zimbabwe wrote on August 22.

Lukas Slavia was arrested in southern Zimbabwe while recording a video in which he talked about electricity and water shortages in the southern African nation. He faces charges of spreading falsehoods with the intention of inciting public unrest.

Masvingo magistrate Franklin Mkwananzi had previously denied Slavia bail, saying he was a risk flight.

However, Czech Republic Deputy Ambassador Michael Novak posted surety, guaranteeing that the tourist would not flee the country if released on bail, said New Zimbabwe.  The envoy said Slavia would stay at the embassy's consulate in Harare until the conclusion of the case.

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) stated that the charge Slavia is facing is outdated and that the statements he made in the recording were not false.

“We have ended the 20-day detention of Lukas Slavia, a tourist and a Czech Republic national, who had been in custody after he was arrested on 1 August by ZRP [Zimbabwe Republic Police] and charged with publishing or communicating falsehoods and criminal nuisance for allegedly recording a video of some mourners and also stating and lamenting water shortages and electricity outages in the ancient city [Masvingo]," ZLHR posted on social media on August 21.

Slavia is among the estimated 200 people who were arrested in recent weeks for allegedly intending to make the country "ungovernable" ahead of a summit of regional leaders held in Harare on August 17.