Forty-four civil society organizations across Africa have issued a statement condemning the Zimbabwean government’s severe restriction of civic space, arguing that it has eroded fundamental human rights and freedoms in the country.
In a statement singed by aforementioned civil society organizations, its indicated that the escalation in state-sponsored repression, “characterized by abductions, arbitrary arrests and unjust denial of bail, torture, and harassment of human rights activists and opposition political members, represents a profoundly disturbing trend.”
“This repressive environment is particularly concerning ahead of the 44th session of the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government scheduled for 17. August 2024. It constitutes a direct assault on the fundamental rights of Zimbabwean citizens and an egregious violation of democratic principles and international standards,” the organizations added.
They highlights several incidents, including: “The recent brutal crackdown on the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU),” the detention of over 77 democracy activists, and the persecution of opposition politicians.
“Currently, over 77 democracy activists are languishing in pre-trial detention after the High Court denied them bail following their arrest for holding a peaceful meeting at a private residence in Harare.
“The detained members include children, elderly men, and women, some of whom were severely beaten and tortured while in custody,” the statement reads.
“Previously, opposition politician Mr. Job Sikhala was detained for 595 days from June 2022, frequently denied bail, kept in leg irons, in solitary confinement, and often denied access to his lawyer and relatives.
“Obert Masaraure, president of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has also been subjected to numerous long drawn-out criminal proceedings and pre-trial detentions, and was recently convicted of the crime of Obstruction of Justice for an alleged tweet in solidarity with an arrested colleague.”
It is also highlighted that the judiciary and law enforcement agencies are being weaponized to prosecute and persecute political opponents, signaling an alarming escalation of domestic repression.
The organizations demand a clear explanation from the authorities for such heavy-handed actions, which only serve to heighten unnecessary security fears ahead of the 44th SADC Summit.
They remind the “Zimbabwean government of its obligations under article 4 of the SADC Treaty which requires its member states to act in accordance with the principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
“Gatherings of student unions, political parties and civil society organizatons have never posed a security threat. We demand a clear and coherent explanation from the authorities for such heavy-handed actions, which only serve to heighten unnecessary security fears ahead of the SADC Summit.”
