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Chamisa says Zimbabwe has reached a 'breaking point'
7 hrs ago |
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Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has declared that Zimbabwe has reached a "breaking point," urging citizens to unite against what he described as a culture of intimidation and repression by the ruling Zanu-PF.
His remarks follow violent disturbances during public hearings on the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 in Harare on Tuesday, where prominent lawyer Douglas Coltart was attacked.
Several opposition and civic leaders were reportedly barred from contributing to the proceedings, including Fadzayi Mahere, Munyaradzi Gwisai, Denford Ngadziore, Tendai Biti, Lovemore Madhuku and Obert Masaraure.
Coltart was assaulted as he was leaving the venue, with his eyeglasses damaged and his phone stolen in the chaos.
Chamisa strongly condemned the violence, saying it reflected deeper systemic issues.
"This is unacceptable! Zimbabwe has a bigger and deeper problem. Violence is an abomination. Why is this being allowed?" he said.
"Fellow citizens, this marks the beginning of a new struggle! Enough is enough! This must bring all of us who believe in a free, open and peaceful Zimbabwe together. Zimbabwe belongs to us all, not one party or one individual."
The violence forced opposition leaders to flee for safety, with Madhuku reportedly seeking refuge in Ngadziore's vehicle while ruling party supporters allegedly pursued them.
Madhuku also criticised police for failing to intervene.
"Their duty is to protect citizens by providing security. They were inside and some were outside, but there was no assistance at all," he said.
Masaraure said the violence had been predictable, accusing ruling party supporters of targeting dissenting voices from the outset of the hearings.
"This process defeats the entire purpose of parliamentary hearings, which is to gather the views of the people. They know that this Bill is anti-people," he said.
Journalists were also caught up in the unrest, with some reportedly trapped inside the City Sports Centre as supporters allegedly demanded that footage of the violence be deleted.
The incident has intensified concerns over political intolerance and the conduct of public consultation processes in Zimbabwe.
His remarks follow violent disturbances during public hearings on the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 in Harare on Tuesday, where prominent lawyer Douglas Coltart was attacked.
Several opposition and civic leaders were reportedly barred from contributing to the proceedings, including Fadzayi Mahere, Munyaradzi Gwisai, Denford Ngadziore, Tendai Biti, Lovemore Madhuku and Obert Masaraure.
Coltart was assaulted as he was leaving the venue, with his eyeglasses damaged and his phone stolen in the chaos.
Chamisa strongly condemned the violence, saying it reflected deeper systemic issues.
"This is unacceptable! Zimbabwe has a bigger and deeper problem. Violence is an abomination. Why is this being allowed?" he said.
"Fellow citizens, this marks the beginning of a new struggle! Enough is enough! This must bring all of us who believe in a free, open and peaceful Zimbabwe together. Zimbabwe belongs to us all, not one party or one individual."
Madhuku also criticised police for failing to intervene.
"Their duty is to protect citizens by providing security. They were inside and some were outside, but there was no assistance at all," he said.
Masaraure said the violence had been predictable, accusing ruling party supporters of targeting dissenting voices from the outset of the hearings.
"This process defeats the entire purpose of parliamentary hearings, which is to gather the views of the people. They know that this Bill is anti-people," he said.
Journalists were also caught up in the unrest, with some reportedly trapped inside the City Sports Centre as supporters allegedly demanded that footage of the violence be deleted.
The incident has intensified concerns over political intolerance and the conduct of public consultation processes in Zimbabwe.
Source - NewZimbabwe
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