Opinion / Columnist
MDC Women Assembly condemn police brutality
14 Jul 2016 at 09:47hrs | Views
The MDC Women Assembly strongly condemns police brutality on peaceful protesters throughout the country in the past week and the arrest of a number of activists, among them Pastor Evan Mawarire of ThisFlag movement, for their role in the mass protests against the high level of corruption and maladministration in the country. The violence meted out against protesters by the security forces including women and children which has so far resulted in the death of a small child in Bulawayo is despicable and should be condemned with all the contempt it deserves.
Tens of protesters, including women remain languishing in cells in Bulawayo after they were unable to raise the $80 bail set for each protester.
Our hearts bleed for these women and we call upon well wishers to join us in efforts to raise the bail for these innocent people.
As the women of MDC, we consider these acts to be a serious violation of the right to dignity, physical integrity, freedom of expression and peaceful demonstration, indeed a tragedy to democracy. These acts are solely aimed at muzzling the people's voice demanding an end to impunity, corruption and maladministration that has resulted in widespread suffering of the masses. There is no room in a democracy for a government that fails to at least listen to the people. The right to peaceful protest must be guaranteed, and these oppressive practices must not be tolerated against Zimbabweans, who have suffered enough under this cruel regime. We must refuse as Zimbabweans to be conditioned into adhering to these intimidation tactics by President Mugabe's failed regime and engage in organised and peaceful protests. When the State closes all avenues for citizens, the only alternative is mass protests.
The MDCWA believes that lasting change will only result from open and inclusive dialogue based on the premise that the current regime has totally failed to govern this country. Switching back to its well -worn tactics of brutality and intimidation tactics on protestors betrays the cowardice and unwillingness of Zanu PF to address the concerns of the people.
This government continues to let down women in just about every respect and as mothers and major economic drivers we continue to bear the brunt of all its disastrous policies and anti -people decisions. The women of Zimbabwe deserve a government that puts the interests of the ordinary Zimbabweans ahead of those of a mighty few.
We encourage open political dialogue in good faith by leadership at all levels including opposition political parties, civil society and churches to ensure that the crisis facing our nation is does not tip over the cliff edge.
Tens of protesters, including women remain languishing in cells in Bulawayo after they were unable to raise the $80 bail set for each protester.
Our hearts bleed for these women and we call upon well wishers to join us in efforts to raise the bail for these innocent people.
As the women of MDC, we consider these acts to be a serious violation of the right to dignity, physical integrity, freedom of expression and peaceful demonstration, indeed a tragedy to democracy. These acts are solely aimed at muzzling the people's voice demanding an end to impunity, corruption and maladministration that has resulted in widespread suffering of the masses. There is no room in a democracy for a government that fails to at least listen to the people. The right to peaceful protest must be guaranteed, and these oppressive practices must not be tolerated against Zimbabweans, who have suffered enough under this cruel regime. We must refuse as Zimbabweans to be conditioned into adhering to these intimidation tactics by President Mugabe's failed regime and engage in organised and peaceful protests. When the State closes all avenues for citizens, the only alternative is mass protests.
This government continues to let down women in just about every respect and as mothers and major economic drivers we continue to bear the brunt of all its disastrous policies and anti -people decisions. The women of Zimbabwe deserve a government that puts the interests of the ordinary Zimbabweans ahead of those of a mighty few.
We encourage open political dialogue in good faith by leadership at all levels including opposition political parties, civil society and churches to ensure that the crisis facing our nation is does not tip over the cliff edge.
Source - Thamary Chimanzi
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