America not judiciary of the world — Min Muswere
THE United States is not the world’s judiciary and does not have the jurisdiction to impose sanctions on another sovereign state as this is a violation of international law, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere has said.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail yesterday, he said Zimbabwe has embarked on an engagement and re-engagement drive through which it seeks to deepen ties with all countries across the world.
“Zimbabwe has embarked on an engagement and re-engagement agenda guided by principle that it is an enemy to none but friend to all,” said Minister Muswere.
“Zimbabwe has enough democratic institutions to safeguard our democracy. The President has put in place mechanisms to support anti-corruption activities. One, he declared zero tolerance on corruption; two, he put in place structures such as SACU (Special Anti-Corruption Unit); such as ZACC (Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission).
“He gave ZACC arresting powers. He capacitated Zimbabwe Republic Police, National Prosecuting Authority, and he has been at the forefront of ensuring that the Judicial Service Commission is resourced.
ZEC (Zimbabwe Electoral Commission) is an independent institution that is fair.”
He also said Zimbabwe adheres to the rule of law, where those that are arrested are brought before competent courts.
“The JSC is impartial and independent,” he said.
The Second Republic, he added, had strengthened and consolidated legislation, as well capacitated and resourced anti-corruption institutions.
“Our history is that we fought for our democracy; we fought for one man, one vote.
“The issue related to political persecution of political opponents is absolute nonsense given the reality that there is no known record of political persecution of any opposition politician in our country.
“The US government should be able to separate political issues from common criminal issues, of which, in terms of our laws, no one above the law. And anyone who is going to participate in illegal criminal activities will be arrested in terms of the laws of Zimbabwe,” he said.
All sanctions on Zimbabwe should be unconditionally removed, he added.
President Mnangagwa has deliberately made far-reaching reforms that include the
launch the Electronic Case Management system, which is meant to make the courts both efficient and transparent.
“Under the Second Republic, under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, we have witnessed a number of high-profile corrupt cases being prosecuted. And the US is not the prosecutor-general of the world, neither is the US the human rights defender of the world. We practice democracy in our country for our own good; in terms of our laws and in terms of our Constitution.”
Sanctioning the Head of State and Government, as well as other senior Government officials, is a direct attack on the people of Zimbabwe and democracy, added Minister Muswere.
He noted that the country will only accept the total removal of sanctions.
On Monday last week, the US cosmetically reviewed its targeted sanctions on Zimbabwe but maintained coercive measures that are administered through the Zimbabwe Democracy
and Economic Recovery Act of 2001.
The sanctions violate Article 41 of the United Nations Charter.
The reviewed measures, under the Global Magnitsky programme, target 11 individuals, including President Mnangagwa and other top Government officials.
Minister Muswere said Zimbabwe is now focused on achieving Vision 2030, which is premised on making the country highly developed, modernised and industrialised, where its people enjoy high standards of living.