Release Top Human Rights Lawyer from Custody in Zimbabwe!
Target: Human rights activists, Law Society of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Police Chief, Sadc Lawyers Association, Southern African Litigation Center
Sponsored by: Nick Muganhu
Just a few hours after the referendum vote to usher a new constitution in Zimbabwe, top human rights lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa was arrested by the partisan Zimbabwean police. Her crime was trying to defend her client whose house had been raided by police who did not present a warrant. The raid was purely intimidatory and vindictive so progressive forces of change in the country would remain in fear.
Later that night Mtetwa’s lawyer made a chamber application and Justice Hungwe ordered her release, but police did not comply. We can safely say Beatrice Mtetwa is being used as an example by police to stifle and intimidate other like-minded human rights defenders not to rise up and make a stand.
We call upon all progressive forces of change to remain resolute and steadfast in challenging all the abusers of human rights and muzzling of free speech. We demand the release of Beatrice Mtetwa unconditionally as the high court judge ordered!
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