It was reported that Mawarire urged the people of Zimbabwe to remain defiant and refuse to return to work after the protests. In late 2017, it was reported by BBC NEWS that Mawarire was acquitted by a Zimbabwe court where he faced a potential 20 year prison sentence if convicted for allegedly trying to overthrow Robert Mugabe. On 13 July 2017 at least 150 lawyers stood up in court to represent Mawarire, while thousands amassed outside a Harare courthouse.