The only time I'd ever heard this word before was in reference to Jews who had been forcibly removed to different countries after the Babylonian takover of Israel circa 600 BC. Now I see it used in a contemporary context. Is it simply a latin term used commonly or are these folks drawing a specific connection between themselves and the Jews of the more commonly known "diaspora"?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4360757.stmMore than three million Zimbabweans living abroad will not be able to vote in the 31 March parliamentary poll, Zimbabwe's Supreme Court has ruledIt dismissed a challenge by seven UK-based Zimbabweans to a law barring citizens abroad from voting.
"This application has no merit," said Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku, a former government minister.
Critics of the law say the ruling Zanu-PF party fears that Zimbabweans abroad would vote for the opposition.
Correspondents say Zimbabweans are leaving in increasing numbers because of an economic and political crisis.
'Far-fetched'
Justice Chidyausiku said the full reasons for the judgement would be given later.
The seven, who call themselves the Diaspora Vote Action Group, had argued in the court that they were being "punished" for leaving. "The denial of citizens resident in a foreign country to vote is not reasonably justifiable in a democratic society," they said in papers filed by their lawyer...
