Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and the women's organization, Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), for exercising their rights to peaceful demonstration in Harare and other urban centers. Subsequently, the detainees have been denied access to lawyers, adequate food, and medical care. Among those arrested include Lovemore Matombo (President of ZCTU and a World Movement for Democracy participant), Wellington Chibhebhe (Secretary General of ZCTU), and Lucia Matibenga (First Vice President of ZCTU). It has been confirmed that Matombo, Chibhebhe, and Matibenga have been subject to serious torture, suffering severe injuries in the process.

We urge you to send letters of appeal expressing concern at the reports of assault and ill-treatment of ZCTU members and urging for a thorough investigation; expressing concern at the reports of prolonged detention of the WOZA members, including five babies and a pregnant woman; calling on the authorities to ensure that the detainees will have access to lawyers, adequate food, and medical care; calling for the immediate release of those arrested and detained for engaging in peaceful protests; and reminding the authorities that human rights defenders have the right to carry out legitimate activities without restrictions or fear of reprisals, as set out in the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. Please send appeals immediately to the following individuals:

Police Commissioner Augustine Chihuri
Zimbabwe Republic Police
Police Headquarters
PO Box 8807
Causeway
Harare, Zimbabwe
Fax: +263 4 253 212
Salutation: Dear Commissioner

Officer-in-Charge of Matapi Police Station C/O Provincial Officer Commanding Harare Province PO Box CY154 Harare, Zimbabwe
Fax: +263 4 753 501
Salutation: Dear Officer-in-Charge

His Excellency President Robert G Mugabe Office of the President Munhumutapa Building Samora Machel Avenue/ 3rd Street Box 7700 Causeway Harare, Zimbabwe
Fax: +263 4 734 644
Salutation: Your Excellency

Also write to diplomatic representatives of Zimbabwe accredited to your country.

Please send copies to WOZA and ZCTU as well:

Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA)
PO Box FM 701
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Fax: +263-(0)9-9-63978
Email: wozazimbabwe@yahoo.com

Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) PO Box 3549 Famona Harare, Zimbabwe
Email: info@zctu.co.zw

Go to:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5349134.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5341150.stm