News / National
Mugabe critic gets an honorary doctoral degree from UK
15 Dec 2013 at 09:27hrs | Views
LEADING human rights lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa was on Wednesday presented with an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by the University of Bath in the United Kingdom, for championing human rights and free speech in Zimbabwe.
Mtetwa, who was only acquitted by the courts in Harare last month, after she was charged with obstructing justice in June, was one of eight honorary graduates at the ceremony.
The university noted that Mtetwa is particularly known for her defence of arrested journalists and human rights workers - both local and international - who have spoken out against the country's political situation.
"Her challenging of the system has led to arrest, beatings and assault by the police. Her bravery and integrity in defending freedom of the press have led to her recognition internationally," the university said in its newsletter.
Mtetwa is the recipient of several international awards including: the Inamori Prize for Ethics, the International Press Freedom Award from the Committee to Protect Journalists and the International Human Rights Award from the American Bar Association Section of Litigation.
She is the only African, besides the late Nelson Mandela, to receive the Ludovic-Trarieux International Human Rights Prize from France.
Mtetwa, who was only acquitted by the courts in Harare last month, after she was charged with obstructing justice in June, was one of eight honorary graduates at the ceremony.
The university noted that Mtetwa is particularly known for her defence of arrested journalists and human rights workers - both local and international - who have spoken out against the country's political situation.
"Her challenging of the system has led to arrest, beatings and assault by the police. Her bravery and integrity in defending freedom of the press have led to her recognition internationally," the university said in its newsletter.
Mtetwa is the recipient of several international awards including: the Inamori Prize for Ethics, the International Press Freedom Award from the Committee to Protect Journalists and the International Human Rights Award from the American Bar Association Section of Litigation.
She is the only African, besides the late Nelson Mandela, to receive the Ludovic-Trarieux International Human Rights Prize from France.
Source - The Zimbabwe Mail
