Investigate intimidation of lawyers by police: ZLHR

THE Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has called on the government to carry out independent investigations into increased cases of intimidation of lawyers by police officers. This came after Job Sikhala’s lead lawyer Harrison Nkomo was allegedly intimidated and stopped from entering a courtroom at Harare Magistrates Court last week by police officers after identifying himself as a legal practitioner.

In a statement, the ZLHR expressed grave concerned over the harassment and intimidation of Nkomo at the Harare Magistrates Court, while discharging his professional duties as a lawyer.

“Nkomo, a member of ZLHR, is the lead lawyer representing former Zengeza West legislator Job Sikhala, who is on trial on charges of allegedly inciting public violence and communicating falsehoods was on Wednesday January 24, 2024 stopped by ZRP officers from entering a courtroom at Harare Magistrates Court, where the trial was taking place, and had a firearm pointed at him despite having identified himself to the police,” the human rights lawyers said.

They also requested the police, other law enforcement agents and the government to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice to prevent the recurrence of such violations.

“In view of the foregoing, ZLHR calls on ZRP, other law enforcement agents, and the government to guarantee Nkomo’s safety and physical integrity including the provision of adequate protective measures, and to ensure that legal practitioners can carry out their work free of fear, harassment or intimidation and to adequately protect the safety and independence of all lawyers and end the pervasive culture of impunity.

“Consistently condemn in strong terms all forms of threats and attacks against legal practitioners. Promptly and thoroughly investigate the abuse of Nkomo to identify those responsible and bring them to justice and hold perpetrators accountable to serve justice and to prevent the recurrence of such violations,” ZLHR said.

The United Nations Human Rights Council has also condemned police brutality against legal practitioners and mandates the government to ensure the safety of lawyers.