News / National
Police barred Workers Day commemorations
02 May 2014 at 12:04hrs | Views
The Police Thursday barred a Workers Day commemorations gathering organised by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions- Concerned Affiliates, arguing it was an unsanctioned crowd and that the venue was booked for Harare International Festival of Arts (Hifa).
The commemorations that were slated for Harare Gardens failed to take place as riot police combed the venue leaving workers and trade unionists with no option but to abandon the gathering.
ZCTU Concerned Affiliates comprises of 14 unions that broke away from the mainstream ZCTU following the disputed 2011 congress.
In a letter that was addressed to ZCTU Affiliates secretary general Raymond Majongwe and written by Chief Superintendent Officer Commanding Harare Central District Newbert Saunyama, the police said the venue was already booked for Hifa.
Human Rights lawyer Tatenda Mombeyarara, who was representing the affiliates confirmed the ban and said police had no right to disperse them from Harare Gardens.
"The letter said the venue was booked for Hifa and I don't understand why the commemorations could not be held as the Harare Gardens is structured in such a way that multiple functions can be held without any problem.
"The government is out to silence our voice. As you know, this is not the first time we have encountered such problems. We are happy though that we have full support from various workers unions and students associations," he said.
Coalition against Corruption director Terry Mutsvanga said the move by the police was a clear violation of human rights and freedom of expression in the country.
"We came here in solidarity with other comrades to commemorate Worker's Day only to be barred by the police.
"Today is international Workers Day and such move by police to disrupt the gathering is uncalled for. This is clear violation of the new constitution which promotes freedom of expression," said Mutsvanga.
The commemorations that were slated for Harare Gardens failed to take place as riot police combed the venue leaving workers and trade unionists with no option but to abandon the gathering.
ZCTU Concerned Affiliates comprises of 14 unions that broke away from the mainstream ZCTU following the disputed 2011 congress.
In a letter that was addressed to ZCTU Affiliates secretary general Raymond Majongwe and written by Chief Superintendent Officer Commanding Harare Central District Newbert Saunyama, the police said the venue was already booked for Hifa.
Human Rights lawyer Tatenda Mombeyarara, who was representing the affiliates confirmed the ban and said police had no right to disperse them from Harare Gardens.
"The letter said the venue was booked for Hifa and I don't understand why the commemorations could not be held as the Harare Gardens is structured in such a way that multiple functions can be held without any problem.
"The government is out to silence our voice. As you know, this is not the first time we have encountered such problems. We are happy though that we have full support from various workers unions and students associations," he said.
Coalition against Corruption director Terry Mutsvanga said the move by the police was a clear violation of human rights and freedom of expression in the country.
"We came here in solidarity with other comrades to commemorate Worker's Day only to be barred by the police.
"Today is international Workers Day and such move by police to disrupt the gathering is uncalled for. This is clear violation of the new constitution which promotes freedom of expression," said Mutsvanga.
Source - The Zim Mail
