CRISIS IN ZIMBABWE:
OVER 350 WOMEN ACTIVISTS ARRESTED AMID
CRACKDOWN ON CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS 

April 9, 2002 

In the U.S. and Europe, Zimbabwe has receded from the public eye since the March 2002 presidential election, but the rule of law remains shattered and serious human rights violations are being committed throughout the country.  A month marked by political violence and a crackdown on all forms of public protest and civil society activity has passed since the election, which the majority of independent observers described as fundamentally flawed.

Human Rights First is extremely concerned that human rights and civil society groups seeking to exercise their basic rights to assemble and criticize the government of President Robert Mugabe are being prevented from doing so, by threat of arrest, prosecution and physical attack.  The recently adopted Public Order and Security Act (POSA) is being used routinely to muzzle the political opposition, as well as all persons and groups who attempt to speak out against the government, or organize any form of public demonstration.  This crackdown is particularly troubling in light of the many reports of violence perpetrated by armed militias, youth gangs, and members of the armed forces around the country. 

On Thursday April 4, over 350 women members of the National Coalition Assembly (NCA) were arrested in Harare, as they gathered to plan their participation in public demonstrations over the weekend.  The NCA is an alliance of church, civic, labor and human rights organizations, which campaigns for a new constitution in Zimbabwe that would better protect human rights.  The NCA demonstrations were scheduled for Saturday April 6, despite a government ban.  The women, some reported to be with infants and children, were held in detention for 24 hours, before appearing in court and being charged under the POSA with holding an illegal gathering.  They were then released on bail of 1,000 Zimbabwe dollars each. 

The NCA demonstrations went ahead on Saturday, despite the threat of arrest and attack by the police and armed forces.  Sections of Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru and Mutare were sealed off by armed police and groups of demonstrators were reportedly chased as they tried to assemble.  Over 60 demonstrators, all members of the NCA, were arrested and reports indicate that several were physically mistreated by the police. 

The use of the POSA in this manner, to prevent and break up peaceful public gatherings and expressions of dissent about government policies and practices, was predicted by Human Rights First and others at the time of its forced passage through the Zimbabwean Parliament in January.  This legislation contains many provisions that are contrary to international and regional human rights standards, contained in instruments to which Zimbabwe is a party.  The subversion of the judiciary by the government, by forcing out independent judges and replacing them with handpicked successors, has ensured that constitutional challenges to legislation and policies are unlikely to be successful. 

Despite the climate of fear and the widespread occurrence of revenge attacks upon those suspected of supporting the opposition, many courageous individuals and organizations continue to document human rights abuses in Zimbabwe and to disseminate this information, putting themselves at risk of prosecution under the POSA.  These individuals and groups must be protected and supported as they expose killings, torture, rape and arbitrary detention by government agents and advocate changes in legislation and government policies. 

While the governments of South Africa and Nigeria attempt to broker a solution to the political crisis in Zimbabwe, by engaging representatives of the ruling Zanu-PF party and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), the continuing human rights crisis must not be ignored.  All states must ensure that Zimbabwe complies with its obligations under international human rights law and its commitments through regional initiatives, such as the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).  Part of ensuring such compliance involves providing strong support to local civil society groups and human rights activists.  Without the contribution of these people and organizations to democracy, rebuilding the rule of law and respect for human rights, Zimbabwe and the southern African region face an even bleaker future. 

RECOMMENDED ACTION 

Please write to President Mugabe, calling for an end to restrictions on peaceful dissent and the suppression of basic freedoms.  Call for the dropping of charges against the more than 350 women members of the NCA who are being prosecuted for seeking to exercise their right to organize and participate in a peaceful demonstration, as well as the other NCA members arrested.  Urge that Zimbabwe respect the fundamental human rights and freedoms to which it is committed by treaty, including freedoms of expression, association and assembly. 

Send a letter to President Mugabe

Should you require more information, please contact Lorna Davidson (212 845 5200 x483) or Matthew Bray (212 845 5298)

Click here for more information on the crisis in Zimbabwe

Please send your letters to:

H.E. Robert Mugabe
President of Zimbabwe

Mr. Patrick Chinamasa
Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs

Mr. John Nkomo
Minister of Home Affairs

Care of:

H.E. Dr. Simbi V. Mubako
Ambassador of Zimbabwe to the United States
1608 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009
Fax: 202 483 9326

E-mail: zimemb@erols.com