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Gwisai and 45 Activists tortured and refused medication
24 Feb 2011 at 14:34hrs | Views
Gwisai and 45 Zimbabwean activists accused of allegedly plotting Egypian-Tunisian-style uprising in Harare, on Thursday told Byo24NEWS that they have been tortured to confess to treason.
The 46 activists were on Monday ordered to remain in detention by Magistrate Munamato Mutevedzi, saying only a higher court was empowered to free them on bail because the charges were grave and punishable by death.
Gwisai told court each time he gave an answer his interrogators were not satisfied with, he would be forced to lie down before being assaulted with a plank on his back and buttocks
He said he received more than 20 lashes from at least 10 men and one woman interrogating him.
I was subjected to the beatings under recording with particular instruction that I must admit that I had said 'Abasha Mugabe (Down with Mugabe)' and that 'he must be removed'," Gwisai said.
Gwisai admitted having organised a meeting with a view to discuss the question of democracy and constitutionalism taking into account recent events in North Africa, particularly Egypt and Tunisia.
He said among the arrested were HIV activists who had been invited to the meeting.
They were allegedly denied medication by the police, Gwisai told the court.
The 46 activists were on Monday ordered to remain in detention by Magistrate Munamato Mutevedzi, saying only a higher court was empowered to free them on bail because the charges were grave and punishable by death.
Gwisai told court each time he gave an answer his interrogators were not satisfied with, he would be forced to lie down before being assaulted with a plank on his back and buttocks
He said he received more than 20 lashes from at least 10 men and one woman interrogating him.
Gwisai admitted having organised a meeting with a view to discuss the question of democracy and constitutionalism taking into account recent events in North Africa, particularly Egypt and Tunisia.
He said among the arrested were HIV activists who had been invited to the meeting.
They were allegedly denied medication by the police, Gwisai told the court.
Source - Byo24NEWS
