Movement For Democratic Change
Weekly Briefing Note
19 January 2004
For Further Information Please Contact:
Nkanyiso Maqeda, MDC Director of Information: 00263 91 248 570
James Littleton: 00 27 727 310 554
Treason Trial Resumes: The treason trial of MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai resumed today in the High Court. The trial began nearly 12 months ago.
Quotes
"…No amount of temporary reform of economic parameters will succeed in this country while the substantive issues of governance, the rule of law, constitutionalism, legitimacy and social justice are not addressed," said Tendai Biti, MDC Secretary for Economic Affairs (14 January 2004)
"Whatever the allegations Chiyangwa is facing, we believe that the police should comply with all court orders. In this regard we condemn the failure to obey the High court order for Chiyangwa’s release, issued on Sunday. It is our firm belief that every citizen of this country must be treated fairly. The due process of the law must be followed to the letter," said Paul Themba Nyathi (14 January 2004)
Political Violence/Intimidation
The first two weeks of 2004 have been marred by an increase in political violence and intimidation as Zanu PF supporters carry out their leaders instructions to begin preparations for next year’s parliamentary elections. In the past two weeks one MDC activist has been murdered while a number of others have been the victims of vicious assaults at the hands of Zanu PF supporters. Political violence has been particularly intense in the constituency of Gutu North, where a by-election is scheduled to be held on 2/3 February following the death last September of the previous incumbent, Vice President Simon Muzenda.
In the build up to the by-election it is clear that Zanu PF are relying on their traditional tactics of violence and coercion in an attempt to boost the chances of their candidate at the ballot box. Such tactics are an admission that the party has no popular support. If Zanu PF was confident of victory then why resort to such sinister tactics?
"Zanu PF has started attacking our supporters and anyone suspected to have links with the opposition…we are not able to hold campaign rallies…Zanu PF has established a command centre at Gutu Rural Council which they have converted into a torture camp…our campaign has been restricted to home visits and distribution of flyers but still the people we are visiting are victimised for merely having spoken to the MDC candidate," said Casper Musoni, MDC candidate for Gutu North
Gutu North: Examples of Victims of Violence – Personal Testimonies
Ngoni Mudzamiri – "It was around 9 am when a vehicle full of Zanu PF people approached me. They easily identified me because I was putting on an MDC T-Shirt…they hauled me onto the truck and quickly drove away. I was beaten all over my body along the way. I was driven around the constituency before being taken to Mpandawana where I was tortured until I fell unconscious. I was later dumped along the Harare/Chiredzi road."
Kassim Jonas – "Two well-known Zanu PF thugs, Nhema and Mtirikwi, in the company of a group of other Zanu PF youths, last Tuesday approached me while I was going about my normal business….they began assaulting me with fists and booted feet before handcuffing me and my friend John Muridzo…they then led us to the Central Intelligence camp at Gutu Mupandawana….there they ordered us to stand on our heads…."
Journalists Charged
Last Monday the editor of the Zimbabwe Independent, Iden Wetherell, news editor Vincent Kahiya and reporter Dumisani Muleya were charged with criminal defamation for writing that Mugabe had commandeered a plane from the national airline to travel to the Far East on personal business. The three were released on bail and are scheduled to appear in court again on January 29 for a remand hearing. Two days later, reporter Itai Dzamara and the paper’s general manager, Raphael Kumalo were also arrested but only Dzamara was charged.
The arrest and detention of the three journalists signifies yet again the contempt with which the Zanu PF government views the democratic principle of freedom of expression. It is the fundamental duty of the press to hold the Executive accountable for their actions. Public scrutiny of the actions of a government is indicative of a functioning democracy.
This latest attack on the independent media has intensified concerns that the Independent will follow the path of the Daily News and be forcibly closed by the Mugabe government.
"…these fresh arrests compromise the independence and entrenched freedoms of the press. ZLHR views the action by the police as a calculated and deliberate attempt to muzzle the independent media and deprive Zimbabweans from fully enjoying the right to freedom of expression."
International Condemnation
Call for UN To Act
A group representing 30 African human rights and civil society organisations has called on the UN to investigate mounting human rights abuses in Zimbabwe.
"We request once again that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and other UN human rights bodies take measure to investigate and publicly denounce all human rights violations that are being committed in Zimbabwe."
Amnesty International
Last week, Amnesty International issued a press statement calling on the Zimbabwean authorities to uphold the rule of law and restore the fundamental right of Zimbabweans to freely express themselves. The statement was issued following the continued refusal of the Zimbabwe police to obey a court order to vacate the premises of the Daily News.
"The failure of the police to uphold court orders undermines the legitimacy and authority of the courts and the rule of law in Zimbabwe."
General News
Malaria Deaths
According to a report published by the UN Relief and Recovery Unit, more than 1,000 people died of malaria in Zimbabwe during 2003.
Moyo’s Mansion to Be Auctioned Off
A sumptuous mansion in Johannesburg, owned by Mugabe’s propaganda minister, Jonathan Moyo, is to be auctioned off following the junior minister’s failure to meet his bond repayments on the property. It is alleged that Moyo also owes money to a South African television production company.
END
|
|
You can make a difference
|
|
 |
Make a donation |
|
Support Zimbabwe at an event |
|
Lobby your local Government member |
|
Become a member of the ZIC |
|
