Print this Email this

Zimbabwean police still torturing political opponents

14 December 2007, 02:10PM

Our researchers, who have just returned from Zimbabwe, say the government continues to beat and torture human rights defenders and political opponents. This is despite the mediation process being facilitated by the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).

Organised police violence and torture has continued during the mediation - in fact, the severity of beatings and torture has been increasing, says Simeon Mawanza, our researcher on Zimbabwe.

We have collected evidence from a wide range of sources, including victims, doctors and lawyers, showing how some units - particularly the Law and Order Section - within the Zimbabwean police enjoy total impunity for human rights violations perpetrated against government critics.

We found Zimbabwean police continue to use excessive force and torture to suppress freedom of association and assembly by human rights defenders and by members of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). Once in police custody, human rights defenders and MDC members are severely assaulted and denied access to lawyers, food and medical care.

On 22 November, at least 22 NCA members were rounded up by unidentified people and bundled into minibuses in Harare's central business district area. They were reportedly taken to the ruling ZANU-PF's offices where they were beaten on the soles of their feet with sticks and iron bars. They were later ordered to mop the floor of the room and a toilet with bare hands. The perpetrators allegedly called the police and the victims were taken to Harare Central police station, where police charged them with obstruction and they were made to pay fines. None of the perpetrators was arrested. Ten of the victims were later hospitalised.

The current mediation process must prioritise human rights concerns. SADC leaders should demand the government takes immediate steps to ensure respect for human rights by the Zimbabwean police, including in particular the Law and Order Section. There must be no impunity for those responsible for human rights violations.

Background information

Human rights violations in Zimbabwe are taking place against a background of a fast shrinking economy. At the end of October, inflation was officially at 14,000 per cent. Most basic goods - including maize, the staple diet - are in short supply. The prices of basic goods are beyond the reach of ordinary households. Most families cannot afford food, education and health care. The World Food Programme estimates that four million Zimbabweans are in need of food aid.

The current mediation process being facilitated by the SADC is the only international process trying to break the political impasse in Zimbabwe.

For more information on the situation in Zimbabwe visit BBC News, coverage includes a new photograph essay on the hardships faced by those living in rural areas.

Commenting is not available in this weblog entry.

Make an impact

You can make a difference right now. Your action will help to shine the light of hope into people's lives across the world.

You can make a difference right now. Your action will help shine the light of hope into people's lives across the world.

Check out what 4880 people are doing right now to support human rights.

Act now

Stay Informed

Sign up for email updates

Get Involved

Two Columbian boys smiling and holding their arms out with their thumbs up - a sign of hope

Amnesty International relies on your support to continue our vital work protecting human rights. Please help us keep governments accountable, bring the guilty to justice, and save lives.

Donate