The southern African nation of Zimbabwe has been rocked by protests against a dramatic rise in fuel prices. Gasoline in the country is now the world's most expensive. And since last week Zimbabweans have heeded a nationwide call to stay at home in protest.
The resistance is fueled by social media. On Friday the government responded with a "total Internet shutdown" for most of the day. Critics say it's an attempt to hide reports of violent crackdowns against the protesters. Civil rights groups say at least 12 people were killed last week.
The Internet shutdown has also cut off crucial access to the electronic bank deposits that Zimbabwe's government uses to pay teachers and other public workers. Some people were staying home because they were running out of money to pay the bus fare.
Among the 600 arrested are a prominent pastor and peace activist Evan Mawarire who faces 20-years in prison for supporting the protests on social media.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa blames the opposition for the unrest. He replaced Robert Mugabe, who was forced out in 2017 claiming that Zimbabwe was now open for business.
Zvidzai Ruzvidzo is a Zimbabwean living in New York. He says the elections are a sham and that the government is rife with corruption and that is the cause of the rebellion.