Opinion / Columnist
'Zanu-PF's use of excessive force is a sign of fear, paranoia'
29 Jul 2024 at 04:19hrs | Views
The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has strongly condemned the "excessive use of force" by Zimbabwean authorities following the arrest and detention of Senator Jameson Timba and 78 other activists. The CCC claims that the situation highlights the regime's "unnecessary fears, insecurity, and paranoia."
Timba and the other detainees have been held without bail for over 40 days since their arrest on June 16, 2024, at Timba's Avondale residence during a commemoration of the Day of the African Child. Several detainees have sustained serious injuries due to police beatings, including one with a fractured leg that has become septic. Others have suffered burst eardrums, and one detainee is caring for her infant under harsh prison conditions. Among those detained is a Form 4 student who should be preparing for her October exams.
CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi criticized the arrest and detention as "inhumane" and indicative of a deepening political crisis characterized by shrinking democratic space, political persecution, and the misuse of the law. Mkwananzi condemned the regime's actions as unacceptable in what is meant to be an independent and democratic Zimbabwe.
The CCC also highlighted the recent arrests of over 40 Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) activists and reported that several opposition leaders have received threatening phone calls, with some opposition supporters being displaced.
Mkwananzi called for local, regional, and international solidarity against the regime's "weaponization of the law" to prosecute political opponents. He urged citizens, justice advocates, diplomats, and the public to show their support for the detained activists at their trial on July 29, 2024.
The issue has also reached the UK Parliament, where Lord John Oates brought the situation to the attention of the UK legislature. Oates urged the UK government to express solidarity with the detained activists and to pressure President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government for their release, emphasizing the importance of respecting human rights and the rule of law.
Timba and the other detainees have been held without bail for over 40 days since their arrest on June 16, 2024, at Timba's Avondale residence during a commemoration of the Day of the African Child. Several detainees have sustained serious injuries due to police beatings, including one with a fractured leg that has become septic. Others have suffered burst eardrums, and one detainee is caring for her infant under harsh prison conditions. Among those detained is a Form 4 student who should be preparing for her October exams.
CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi criticized the arrest and detention as "inhumane" and indicative of a deepening political crisis characterized by shrinking democratic space, political persecution, and the misuse of the law. Mkwananzi condemned the regime's actions as unacceptable in what is meant to be an independent and democratic Zimbabwe.
Mkwananzi called for local, regional, and international solidarity against the regime's "weaponization of the law" to prosecute political opponents. He urged citizens, justice advocates, diplomats, and the public to show their support for the detained activists at their trial on July 29, 2024.
The issue has also reached the UK Parliament, where Lord John Oates brought the situation to the attention of the UK legislature. Oates urged the UK government to express solidarity with the detained activists and to pressure President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government for their release, emphasizing the importance of respecting human rights and the rule of law.
Source - NewZimbabwe
All articles and letters published on Bulawayo24 have been independently written by members of Bulawayo24's community. The views of users published on Bulawayo24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Bulawayo24. Bulawayo24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.
