Maintain sanctions on Mugabe says Human Right Watch

HARARE â€" The European Union should maintain its travel ban and asset freezes on Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe until the country follows through on promised political reforms, Human Rights Watch said Thursday.

The EU is conducting its annual review of its restrictions on Mugabe and his inner circle, which were imposed in 2002 following elections that were marred by widespread violence and intimidation.

Mugabe, who turns 88 this month, and his ZANU-PF party have ruled since independence from Britain in 1980. But following failed elections in 2008, he was forced into a power-sharing government with his rival Morgan Tsvangirai, a move meant to clear the way to new elections.

"EU concessions on sanctions will not get ZANU-PF to end its abuses," said Daniel Bekele, Africa director at Human Rights Watch.

"To the contrary, removing sanctions will give Mugabe and his party free rein for continued repression ahead of elections."

Under the unity government, Zimbabwe's devastated economy has begun recovering, but a promised human rights commission has yet to begin working while prosecutors and police remain strongly tied to Mugabe's party, the group said.

Human rights activists and government critics still suffer arrest and harassment, while no effort has been made to give justice to victims of political violence over the last decade, it added.

"Mugabe's ZANU-PF is committing grave human rights abuses against all perceived opponents," Bekele said. "Easing the sanctions now would send the wrong message and reinforce the repression and impunity in Zimbabwe."

Zimbabwe is in the process of drafting a new constitution to clear the way for new polls.

But the minister in charge of the process said Wednesday that a referendum on the charter could not be held before August, meaning elections would likely take place only next year.