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US alarmed as Zimbabwe targets, beats activists amid unrest
17 Jan 2019 at 10:33hrs | Views
The US embassy in Zimbabwe says it is "alarmed" by credible reports that security forces are targeting and beating activists and labour leaders. A local doctors' rights group says it has treated 68 gunshot cases.
The US statement on Thursday also urges Zimbabwe's government to restore access to social media as the country faces its worst unrest since deadly post-election violence in August. Zimbabweans this week heeded a nationwide stay-at-home call after the government dramatically increased fuel prices in the economically shattered country.
Prominent pastor and activist Evan Mawarire is currently in court in the capital, Harare, accused of inciting violence. Zimbabwe's state security minister has said more than 600 people have been arrested.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa while traveling overseas has denounced what he called "wanton violence and cynical destruction".
The US statement on Thursday also urges Zimbabwe's government to restore access to social media as the country faces its worst unrest since deadly post-election violence in August. Zimbabweans this week heeded a nationwide stay-at-home call after the government dramatically increased fuel prices in the economically shattered country.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa while traveling overseas has denounced what he called "wanton violence and cynical destruction".
Source - AP
