Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) Members Arrested

Democracy Alert

[October 5, 2011]

Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) Members Arrested

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Update: Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu have been conditionally released from Mlondolozi Prison in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe after posting US$200 bail. According to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association ZimRights, the reasons for Williams and Mahlangu’s arrest remain unclear. The women are expected back in court on Thursday.
 
The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights sent an open letter to Zimbabwe’s Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, the Honorable Patrick Chinamasa, urging “guarantees for the safety of Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu, as well as a speedy and fair trial.” The World Movement for Democracy is a signatory of the letter. 
 
To read ZimRights' press release, click here.
To read Robert F. Kennedy Center's press release, click here.
 

ORIGINAL RELEASE

On Wednesday, September 21, 12 members of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) were arrested during a peaceful demonstration to commemorate International Day of Peace in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second largest city. According to Freedom House, “WOZA was distributing leaflets and flowers when interrupted by nearly 50 riot police, who rounded up the group and beat them with batons — claiming they had ‘no permission’ to march.” WOZA is a participating organization in the World Movement for Democracy.

The Zimbabwean authorities have released 10 of the 12 women. Eight of the women sought medical attention after being released. WOZA reported in a press statement yesterday that eight members were seriously injured and three others suffered serious fractures.
The group’s leaders, Magodonga Mhlangu and Jenni Williams, have been denied bail and are being held at Mlondolozi, a female prison in Bulawayo. Amnesty International UK reports that Mhlangu and Williams are being charged with kidnapping and theft.
According to Freedom House, “WOZA has been a frequent and brutal target of Zimbabwean authorities as a result of their legitimate activities that address many of the most crucial human rights issues facing Zimbabwean women, including domestic violence and rape, the rights to food and education for children, and the rights to participation and association.”
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