Back to Index

Abuses in Zimbabwe increasing, Human Rights Forum says
The Star (SA)
August 09, 2007

http://www.thestar.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3975035

Torture, assault, unlawful detention and other violations of human rights are increasing rapidly in Zimbabwe, according to a new report. The report by the independent Human Rights Forum highlighted the government crackdown on the country's political opposition. Monitors said they had collected evidence documenting 5,307 human rights violations in the first six months of this year - nearly double the number during the same period a year ago, the report said.

Meanwhile, the crackdown appears to be continuing. A pro-democracy group, Women of Zimbabwe Arise, reported yesterday that 19 of its activists, both men and women, had been arrested the day before while playing netball in the southern town of Masvingo and were being held in police cells. No reason for their detention was given, the group said in a statement. The group is known for staging surprise demonstrations and regularly having members arrested under sweeping security laws, but it said it had not staged any recent protests in Masvingo.

In its analysis, Human Rights Forum said the violations documented until June 30 included two politically linked deaths, 328 cases of torture, 481 assaults by state personnel and militants, 802 cases of unlawful arrest and detention, 935 incidents of political victimisation and intimidation, and 1 937 violations of freedom of expression and movement. Two other opposition activists were also killed this year, in the western Matabeleland South district, in suspected political abductions. But evidence regarding their killings, which were not included in the report's total, was still being collected, the group said. Forum officials said the increases this year came primarily in state-orchestrated rights violations. The total of 5 307 so far compares to 2 868 in the first six months of last year.

In addition to the political clampdown, more than 7 000 business executives, store managers and traders have been arrested in a drive to enforce a government order to slash prices of all goods and services by half. The price cuts have left shelves across the country bare of mealie meal, meat, bread, milk and other staples. Most of the arrested business representatives, who include top corporate directors, have been held for 48 hours, the maximum allowed, in harsh police jails in near-freezing night temperatures before being allowed to apply for bail.

Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.

TOP