Assault on dissent exposes bigotry
A NEW briefing by Amnesty International documents how the Zimbabwean authorities have mounted a brutal crackdown against protesters, using killings and torture, among other serious human rights violations, to crush protests against fuel prices which began on January14
Amnesty International interviewed relatives of some of the 15 people who have been killed by security forces since the start of protests, and detailed how the authorities had used lethal and excessive force such as tear gas, baton sticks, water cannons and live ammunition to silence dissent.
“The Zimbabwean authorities have resorted to the most brutal tactics imaginable to crush demonstrations against fuel hikes. Killings, reports of rape by military personnel and widespread arbitrary arrests of many protesters and non-protesters have cast doubts on hopes that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government might mean a better future for Zimbabweans where respect for human rights is the norm,” said Muleya Mwananyanda, Amnesty International’s deputy regional director for Southern Africa.
“Scores of human rights defenders, activists, opposition and civil society leaders suspected of organising protests have gone into hiding fearing for their lives as a state-sponsored witchhunt continues, and several women are fearing the worst after reportedly being raped by uniformed soldiers.”
In the new briefing Open for
Business, Closed for Dissent, Amnesty International has documented cases of torture, mass arbitrary arrests and detentions as well as the routine denial of bail in fast-tracked trials. More than 1 000 people have been arbitrarily detained following the protests, with some having been brought to court in trials that do not meet international fair trial standards.
Witnesses have told Amnesty International of widespread torture and other ill-treatment, including being made to roll in sewage or ashes from burnt tyres.
Amnesty International is calling on the Zimbabwean authorities to immediately end the crackdown on human rights and end attacks on peaceful protesters, human rights defenders, activists, civil society leaders and opposition supporters. All victims of the excessive use of force must have access to justice and an effective remedy, including adequate compensation and guarantees of non-repetition. Suspected perpetrators must be brought to justice in fair trials.
“The Zimbabwean authorities will never be able to convince anyone that the country is open for business if they continue to crack down on anyone who dares to criticise them.
“People must be allowed to peacefully express their opinions,” said Mwananyanda.
Scores of human rights defenders have gone into hiding fearing for their lives
Muleya Mwananyanda Amnesty International