News / National
MRP condemns police’s criminalisation of freedom of expression and association
1 hr ago |
55 Views
Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) has condemned what it describes as the continued criminalisation of constitutionally protected freedoms by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), accusing the police of deliberately shutting down democratic space in the country.
In a statement, the party said it had become clear that the ZRP was systematically blocking peaceful political activity.
“Peaceful political gatherings are being stopped without lawful justification. Opposition parties are denied clearance, civic society meetings are disrupted, and citizens are intimidated for exercising their constitutional rights,” MRP said.
“As MRP, we are a peaceful and law‑abiding political party. Yet our freedoms of assembly, association and expression are persistently violated.”
The party said the situation had now reached alarming levels following reports that Hwange Central MP Daniel Molokele was arrested while conducting a Constituency Development meeting.
“This development confirms that repression is no longer selective; it is now systematic. We are deeply concerned, angered and disturbed by what increasingly resembles the unofficial declaration of a one‑party state by Zanu PF. The abuse of state institutions to silence dissent is a direct assault on democracy,” MRP said.
The party also criticised the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, saying it goes against the will of the people. While government has invited citizens to debate the Bill over a 90‑day period, MRP said authorities were simultaneously blocking public gatherings where such discussions could take place.
“This hypocrisy exposes the insincerity of the consultation process. The escalating repression of opposition activists, civic society leaders, journalists and elected representatives is unacceptable and unconstitutional,” the party said.
MRP insisted that Zimbabwe belongs to all its citizens, not to a single political party, and called on the police to stop harassing citizens and uphold their constitutional mandate.
“The struggle for justice, dignity and self‑determination cannot be silenced through intimidation,” the party said.
In a statement, the party said it had become clear that the ZRP was systematically blocking peaceful political activity.
“Peaceful political gatherings are being stopped without lawful justification. Opposition parties are denied clearance, civic society meetings are disrupted, and citizens are intimidated for exercising their constitutional rights,” MRP said.
“As MRP, we are a peaceful and law‑abiding political party. Yet our freedoms of assembly, association and expression are persistently violated.”
The party said the situation had now reached alarming levels following reports that Hwange Central MP Daniel Molokele was arrested while conducting a Constituency Development meeting.
“This development confirms that repression is no longer selective; it is now systematic. We are deeply concerned, angered and disturbed by what increasingly resembles the unofficial declaration of a one‑party state by Zanu PF. The abuse of state institutions to silence dissent is a direct assault on democracy,” MRP said.
The party also criticised the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, saying it goes against the will of the people. While government has invited citizens to debate the Bill over a 90‑day period, MRP said authorities were simultaneously blocking public gatherings where such discussions could take place.
“This hypocrisy exposes the insincerity of the consultation process. The escalating repression of opposition activists, civic society leaders, journalists and elected representatives is unacceptable and unconstitutional,” the party said.
MRP insisted that Zimbabwe belongs to all its citizens, not to a single political party, and called on the police to stop harassing citizens and uphold their constitutional mandate.
“The struggle for justice, dignity and self‑determination cannot be silenced through intimidation,” the party said.
Source - Byo24news
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
