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Youth Agenda Trust in solidarity with victimized students
Youth Agenda Trust
April 23, 2009

Youth Agenda Trust and Zimbabwean youth at large would want to stand in solidarity with the Zimbabwe National Students Union and the student community in condemning the recent attack, brutalization and arrest of students who were peacefully protesting against the privatisation of education and their unfair dismissal for failing to pay tuition fees which are unaffordable.

We are greatly worried about the overzealous reaction of state security agents and the general silence of the new political administration with regard to the wanton and unjustified continued closure of the democratic space. As young people we believe that non-violent civil disobedience is a democratic way of expressing the opinions of citizens of any nation hence any unfair and unjust treatment of those carrying it out should be condemned in the strongest terms. We therefore urge the new administration headed by Prime Minister Tsvangirayi to urgently and adequately address the challenges facing the education sector so that students and young people can also meaningfully contribute towards the rebuilding of the country.

On the other hand we are also saddened and worried by the recent unlawful abduction of Shadreck Manyere and Ghandi Mudzingwa, MDC activists released on bail, in the dark of the night from the Avenues Clinic. We strongly believe that such a shameful act by the state security agents clearly indicates that Zimbabwe is still a police state and a culture of impunity is still evident within the state apparatus in spite of the coming in of an inclusive government.

We therefore urge all young people to keep up vigil in pursuit of a democratic Zimbabwe and in demanding a return to good governance and the rule of law.

Visit the Youth Agenda Trust fact sheet

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