Police urged to protect pro-democracy activists

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AN international human rights organisation has urged Zimbabwean authorities to act against attacks on pro-democracy activists.

AN international human rights organisation has urged Zimbabwean authorities to act against attacks on pro-democracy activists. MAMELO NKOMO OWN CORRESPONDENT

In a statement, Amnesty International said Zimbabwean authorities should immediately begin a thorough and impartial investigation into the abduction and beating of pro-democracy and rights activists and bring suspected perpetrators to justice.

Amnesty International
Amnesty International

Three members of the pro-democracy activist group Occupy Africa Unity Square were abducted and severely assaulted by suspected Zanu PF supporters on December 2 in Harare while engaging in a peaceful protest.

Itai Dzamara, Jerry Mugweni and Allan Chinewaita were abducted by men who intercepted their march just before 3pm along Kwame Nkrumah Avenue in Harare.

The activists sustained injuries and the alleged abductors took away their possessions, including two mobile phones and cash and later handed them over at Harare Central Police Station.

However, they were released by police without charge and admitted to hospital, where they received treatment while the perpetrators were not arrested.

“We are concerned about reports that the three activists were handed to police at Harare Central Police station by the abductors who were allowed to leave without being interrogated or arrested,” Deprose Muchena, Amnesty international regional director for Southern Africa, said.

Deprose Muchena, Amnesty international regional director for Southern Africa
Deprose Muchena, Amnesty international regional director for Southern Africa

Muchena said it was worrying that people exercising their constitutionally and internationally guaranteed freedom of assembly could be so brutally attacked in broad daylight by known people and police let perpetrators escape justice.

“Such conduct by the police perpetuates a culture of impunity which fuels further human rights abuses and such conduct is deplorable and needs to come to an end,” he said.

“It is disturbing that the Zimbabwe Republic Police appear to be unwilling or unable to act against perpetrators of human rights abuses, linked to the ruling party.

“Police must ensure that the rights of everyone, including the right to peaceful protest, are fully and effectively protected.”

Amnesty International called on authorities to investigate seriously and hold accountable those responsible for the attacks and other human rights abuses perpetrated by members of the ruling party.

The organisation said the attack on the Occupy Africa Unity Square activists is not an isolated incident.