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DemocracyAlertsFrom time to time, the World Movement for Democracy issues alerts concerning participants and other colleagues who are, or may be, facing personal danger due to their work on behalf of democracy and for whom a vigorous response from around the world may be critical. To see previous alerts go to www.wmd.org/democracyalerts/democracyAlerts.html. (September 18, 2006) Democracy Alert: Zimbabwean Human Rights Activists Arrested, Detained, and Mistreated On September 11 and 13, the Zimbabwe Republic Police violently arrested and detained hundreds of members of the 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:
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 Please send copies to WOZA and ZCTU as well:
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 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5349134.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5341150.stm |
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