Tuesday, April 22, 2008
BBC World Interview Link
Watch me on this link on the eve of the elections: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DdVQaF7q8A
VIOLENT RETRIBUTIVE ACTION AGAINST INNOCENT ZIMBABWEANS
PRESS STATEMENT
17 April 2008
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) is gravely concerned at the increasing incidences of confirmed human rights violations currently being perpetrated by or with the acquiescence of the state on defenceless Zimbabweans countrywide.
Since 14 April 2008, at least 150 people have been arrested and are currently detained in custody at Harare Central police station alone. The recent arrests and continuing violations of fundamental rights and freedoms have been exacerbated by state actors who are working hand-in-hand with the ruling ZANU PF party militia to unleash their coercive apparatus on an innocent electorate. This campaign of terror has been widespread across the country and is being perpetrated against any person who is suspected to have cast their vote against the ruling party, as well as their families.
Despite the fact that the Zimbabwean Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act (CPEA) categorically states that powers of arrest are vested in the police and other peace officers, the general trend confirmed by ZLHR lawyers attending to victims has been the abduction of individuals from their homes by members of the military (in uniform and plain clothes), as well as the ZANU PF youth and militia. Recently most of the inmates detained at the police station have been arrested by the military.
Before these illegal arrests by the military, from areas around Harare, the victims have been subjected to torture and other inhuman and degrading treatment.
Nine (9) people from a residential area, Budiriro, were abducted from the funeral of Anna Mazhanidza by members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police Support Unit and other people suspected to be members of the Zimbabwe National Army who were dressed in plain clothes. Eight (8) people were also picked up from another residential area, Mabvuku. They were accused of obstructing the free movement of traffic by placing stones in the road. Some of the arrested individuals include the newly elected Member of the House of Assembly, Shepherd Madamombe. These abductions were effected by suspected plain clothes members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the ruling party militia.
In St Mary’s at least 20 people, including former Mayor, Misheck Shoko, and a recently elected councillor, Stephen Gomo, were abducted from their homes by plain clothes personnel who are believed to be members of the Zimbabwe National Army and the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
On 16 April 2008, during the early hours of the morning, 22 people were abducted by soldiers and ZANU PF youths from their homes in Epworth. During these abductions some of the people were assaulted with booted feet, and open hands all over the body. In some of the cases doors were forced open to enable the youths and members of the army to forcibly gain entry into the homes of the victims. Upon abduction, the victims were not informed of the charges levelled against them. After this inhuman treatment the victims were taken to police stations whereat the police again did not advise them of the charges being levelled against them.
Despite the fact that the police do not have an iota of evidence against targeted civilians, members of the army and ZANU PF youths have cast a dragnet in the streets of most of the high density suburbs around Harare. The arrests have been indiscriminate, based on political affiliation and in most instances where the people are remotely associated or are suspected of being associated with the Movement for Democratic Change.
In areas such as Bikita, Nyanga North, Mutoko, Gokwe, Mudzi, Chegutu and Mt Darwin the military has unleashed unabated attacks on innocent individuals since the beginning of the week.
Despite the fact that everyone has a right to participate in the government of the day through voting, it can be readily ascertained that most of the people have been victimised on the basis of their political affiliation. Areas such as Mutoko have become hot spots with confirmed reports of indiscriminate brutal assaults on people perceived to belong to the opposition party. A case in point is one campaign manager for the Movement for Democratic Change whose property was destroyed by members of ZANU PF. Some of the people have since looted his property and destroyed his livelihood, which include his crops and livestock. This looting continues unabated to date. The police, who are aware of the activities of the ZANU PF youths in this case, have turned a blind eye to the total breakdown of the rule of law in this area.
In certain areas around Harare’s high density suburbs and outlying areas, members of the military have imposed curfews. As a result freedom of movement has been severely curtailed. During the early hours of the evening, anyone who is found in the streets has been subjected to inhuman and degrading punishment and has been accused of not observing the imposed curfew. Victims have been asked to crawl in the streets for distances that range up to 200 metres by soldiers. The targeted individuals include the elderly, youths and even breastfeeding mothers. There has been an overwhelming disrespect of persons and indiscriminate and unjustifiable destruction of property. At least 30 homes are believed to have been burnt down and some destroyed around the country.
By 19:00hrs on 17 April 2008, several groups of people were still being indiscriminately abducted, arrested from the streets and their homes around Harare.
ZLHR deplores this cruel and unacceptable retributive action. The dignity of human beings in Zimbabwe is paramount and nobody should be targeted for merely exercising her/his right to vote or due to a perceived political affiliation. Urgent action must be taken by the authorities to stop such atrocities and bring the perpetrators to book.
/ends/
17 April 2008
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) is gravely concerned at the increasing incidences of confirmed human rights violations currently being perpetrated by or with the acquiescence of the state on defenceless Zimbabweans countrywide.
Since 14 April 2008, at least 150 people have been arrested and are currently detained in custody at Harare Central police station alone. The recent arrests and continuing violations of fundamental rights and freedoms have been exacerbated by state actors who are working hand-in-hand with the ruling ZANU PF party militia to unleash their coercive apparatus on an innocent electorate. This campaign of terror has been widespread across the country and is being perpetrated against any person who is suspected to have cast their vote against the ruling party, as well as their families.
Despite the fact that the Zimbabwean Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act (CPEA) categorically states that powers of arrest are vested in the police and other peace officers, the general trend confirmed by ZLHR lawyers attending to victims has been the abduction of individuals from their homes by members of the military (in uniform and plain clothes), as well as the ZANU PF youth and militia. Recently most of the inmates detained at the police station have been arrested by the military.
Before these illegal arrests by the military, from areas around Harare, the victims have been subjected to torture and other inhuman and degrading treatment.
Nine (9) people from a residential area, Budiriro, were abducted from the funeral of Anna Mazhanidza by members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police Support Unit and other people suspected to be members of the Zimbabwe National Army who were dressed in plain clothes. Eight (8) people were also picked up from another residential area, Mabvuku. They were accused of obstructing the free movement of traffic by placing stones in the road. Some of the arrested individuals include the newly elected Member of the House of Assembly, Shepherd Madamombe. These abductions were effected by suspected plain clothes members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the ruling party militia.
In St Mary’s at least 20 people, including former Mayor, Misheck Shoko, and a recently elected councillor, Stephen Gomo, were abducted from their homes by plain clothes personnel who are believed to be members of the Zimbabwe National Army and the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
On 16 April 2008, during the early hours of the morning, 22 people were abducted by soldiers and ZANU PF youths from their homes in Epworth. During these abductions some of the people were assaulted with booted feet, and open hands all over the body. In some of the cases doors were forced open to enable the youths and members of the army to forcibly gain entry into the homes of the victims. Upon abduction, the victims were not informed of the charges levelled against them. After this inhuman treatment the victims were taken to police stations whereat the police again did not advise them of the charges being levelled against them.
Despite the fact that the police do not have an iota of evidence against targeted civilians, members of the army and ZANU PF youths have cast a dragnet in the streets of most of the high density suburbs around Harare. The arrests have been indiscriminate, based on political affiliation and in most instances where the people are remotely associated or are suspected of being associated with the Movement for Democratic Change.
In areas such as Bikita, Nyanga North, Mutoko, Gokwe, Mudzi, Chegutu and Mt Darwin the military has unleashed unabated attacks on innocent individuals since the beginning of the week.
Despite the fact that everyone has a right to participate in the government of the day through voting, it can be readily ascertained that most of the people have been victimised on the basis of their political affiliation. Areas such as Mutoko have become hot spots with confirmed reports of indiscriminate brutal assaults on people perceived to belong to the opposition party. A case in point is one campaign manager for the Movement for Democratic Change whose property was destroyed by members of ZANU PF. Some of the people have since looted his property and destroyed his livelihood, which include his crops and livestock. This looting continues unabated to date. The police, who are aware of the activities of the ZANU PF youths in this case, have turned a blind eye to the total breakdown of the rule of law in this area.
In certain areas around Harare’s high density suburbs and outlying areas, members of the military have imposed curfews. As a result freedom of movement has been severely curtailed. During the early hours of the evening, anyone who is found in the streets has been subjected to inhuman and degrading punishment and has been accused of not observing the imposed curfew. Victims have been asked to crawl in the streets for distances that range up to 200 metres by soldiers. The targeted individuals include the elderly, youths and even breastfeeding mothers. There has been an overwhelming disrespect of persons and indiscriminate and unjustifiable destruction of property. At least 30 homes are believed to have been burnt down and some destroyed around the country.
By 19:00hrs on 17 April 2008, several groups of people were still being indiscriminately abducted, arrested from the streets and their homes around Harare.
ZLHR deplores this cruel and unacceptable retributive action. The dignity of human beings in Zimbabwe is paramount and nobody should be targeted for merely exercising her/his right to vote or due to a perceived political affiliation. Urgent action must be taken by the authorities to stop such atrocities and bring the perpetrators to book.
/ends/
Zimfund to assists IDPs and Victims of Organized Violence in Zimbabwe
The Movement For Democratic Change has set up a fundraising site geared towards mobilizing resources for the urgent humanitarian situation unfolding in Zimbabwe as a result of ZANU PF's post election retribution against opposition supporters. About 3000 families have been rendered homeless due to the escalating violence being perpetrated by ZANU PF supporters, the militia,war veterans, the police, and the army. About 500 people have been hospitalized and 10 people from the MDC have since died.
Due to what Tendai Biti has described as a transformation of the MDC into " the Red Cross Society", the party has come up with the Zimfund to raise funds for this humanitarian disaster. Anyone willing to donate to this fund can log on to Zimfund and donate funds safely through paypal to assist needy Zimbabweans.
The MDC should be applauded for this timeous intervention.
Due to what Tendai Biti has described as a transformation of the MDC into " the Red Cross Society", the party has come up with the Zimfund to raise funds for this humanitarian disaster. Anyone willing to donate to this fund can log on to Zimfund and donate funds safely through paypal to assist needy Zimbabweans.
The MDC should be applauded for this timeous intervention.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Zimbabweans protest results delay in New York
Zimbabweans protest results delay in New York By Tererai Karimakwenda11 April, 2008
Zimbabweans in New York on Friday demonstrated against Robert Mugabe’s manipulation of the March 29 elections, and the reluctance of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to announce the results.
One of the organisers, Dr. Farai Bere, said about 50 activists showed up for the protest. He attributed the low turnout to the fact that it was a weekday and “life in the diaspora requires Zimbabweans to work”.
Dr Bere said they started out at the French Embassy because they want Zimbabwe’s plight to be introduced as a motion in the United Nations Security Council – to call for pressure on Mugabe to give up the keys to State House because he lost an election and must now leave.
The protesters stopped at the Zambian Embassy next, because that country currently chairs the SADC countries. Dr. Bere said they praise Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa for the positive efforts he has made to try and resolve the Zimbabwe crisis, but they urged him to keep up the pressure until Mugabe has gone.
The protest ended up at the United Nations where the message to the UN was that Mugabe must be pressured to announce and respect the results of the elections.
.
Zimbabweans in New York on Friday demonstrated against Robert Mugabe’s manipulation of the March 29 elections, and the reluctance of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to announce the results.
One of the organisers, Dr. Farai Bere, said about 50 activists showed up for the protest. He attributed the low turnout to the fact that it was a weekday and “life in the diaspora requires Zimbabweans to work”.
Dr Bere said they started out at the French Embassy because they want Zimbabwe’s plight to be introduced as a motion in the United Nations Security Council – to call for pressure on Mugabe to give up the keys to State House because he lost an election and must now leave.
The protesters stopped at the Zambian Embassy next, because that country currently chairs the SADC countries. Dr. Bere said they praise Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa for the positive efforts he has made to try and resolve the Zimbabwe crisis, but they urged him to keep up the pressure until Mugabe has gone.
The protest ended up at the United Nations where the message to the UN was that Mugabe must be pressured to announce and respect the results of the elections.
.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Washington Demo
Fellow Countrymen and women,
I started raising the alarm bells at the Zimbabwean Embassy today in Washington DC and I sent the message loud and clear through a megaphone which forced the ambassador to invite me into the embassy to express my fears of ZANU PF rigging. However, the embassy called the Secret Service to thwart my one man demo to no avail.
Media coverage was provided by VOA and SW Radio Africa. Visit their websites for more details.See attached photos of the solo-demo done on behalf of fellow Zimbabweans who were tied up.
Struggle Continues
Charles.M.Mutama
I started raising the alarm bells at the Zimbabwean Embassy today in Washington DC and I sent the message loud and clear through a megaphone which forced the ambassador to invite me into the embassy to express my fears of ZANU PF rigging. However, the embassy called the Secret Service to thwart my one man demo to no avail.
Media coverage was provided by VOA and SW Radio Africa. Visit their websites for more details.See attached photos of the solo-demo done on behalf of fellow Zimbabweans who were tied up.
Struggle Continues
Charles.M.Mutama
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Solo Demonstrator invited inside Zimbabwe Embassy in Washington
Solo demonstrator invited inside Zimbabwe Embassy in WashingtonBy Tererai KarimakwendaApril 05, 2008
A determined activist protesting outside the Zimbabwean Embassy in Washington DC, made so much noise that the officials there were forced to invite him inside for a chat. Charles Mutama, a coordinator with the Zimbabweans in Exile group, said he had invited Zimbabweans living in the Washington DC area to join him in protesting against the handling of election results. Unfortunately he was the only one who showed up Friday morning. Mutama said he brought a megaphone and stood outside the Embassy, shouting out his displeasure at the delay in the announcement of the presidential election result. The officials inside the Embassy eventually called secret service agents who invited him inside to speak to Embassy officials.
Mutama said: “I spoke to a Councillor and I thanked him for inviting me into their cosy offices. I told them that we want the results of the elections announced, especially the presidential elections.” The Councillor told Mutama that he had chosen the wrong method to get his message across.
As for Mutama’s request regarding the results of the elections, he was told that everyone is waiting and he should also wait patiently for the announcements. “I told him you know the results already. You are part of the system and you know what they are doing”, said Mutama.
Mutama said he plans to continue speaking out about issues that are important to him. He said that he blamed himself for the zero turnout at the Embassy because he publicised the event too late. He did wish that more Zimbabweans would take the initiative to do something about the crisis back home, because there is power in numbers.
SW Radio Africa Zimbabwe news
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A determined activist protesting outside the Zimbabwean Embassy in Washington DC, made so much noise that the officials there were forced to invite him inside for a chat. Charles Mutama, a coordinator with the Zimbabweans in Exile group, said he had invited Zimbabweans living in the Washington DC area to join him in protesting against the handling of election results. Unfortunately he was the only one who showed up Friday morning. Mutama said he brought a megaphone and stood outside the Embassy, shouting out his displeasure at the delay in the announcement of the presidential election result. The officials inside the Embassy eventually called secret service agents who invited him inside to speak to Embassy officials.
Mutama said: “I spoke to a Councillor and I thanked him for inviting me into their cosy offices. I told them that we want the results of the elections announced, especially the presidential elections.” The Councillor told Mutama that he had chosen the wrong method to get his message across.
As for Mutama’s request regarding the results of the elections, he was told that everyone is waiting and he should also wait patiently for the announcements. “I told him you know the results already. You are part of the system and you know what they are doing”, said Mutama.
Mutama said he plans to continue speaking out about issues that are important to him. He said that he blamed himself for the zero turnout at the Embassy because he publicised the event too late. He did wish that more Zimbabweans would take the initiative to do something about the crisis back home, because there is power in numbers.
SW Radio Africa Zimbabwe news
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Thursday, April 3, 2008
Protest Against Delay in Presidential Result
ZIMBABWEAN DEMONSTRATION
VENUE: ZIMBABWEAN EMBASSY
1608 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVENUE NW
WASHINGTON DC 20009
TIME: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
DATE: 4TH APRIL 2008
THEME: PROTEST AGAINST THE DELAY IN THE
ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS BY THE ZIMBABWE
ELECTORAL COMMISSION
ORGANIZED BY: CONCERNED ZIMBABWEANS IN THE
WASHINGTON DC METROPOLITAN AREA
CONTACT: Charles.M.Mutama
240 505 5894
POLICE PERMISSION GRANTED
VENUE: ZIMBABWEAN EMBASSY
1608 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVENUE NW
WASHINGTON DC 20009
TIME: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
DATE: 4TH APRIL 2008
THEME: PROTEST AGAINST THE DELAY IN THE
ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS BY THE ZIMBABWE
ELECTORAL COMMISSION
ORGANIZED BY: CONCERNED ZIMBABWEANS IN THE
WASHINGTON DC METROPOLITAN AREA
CONTACT: Charles.M.Mutama
240 505 5894
POLICE PERMISSION GRANTED
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