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Parliament is not a Shebeen!
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition
May 18, 2004

The events that took place in the Parliament of Zimbabwe today are deplorable. The verbal abuse and subsequent scuffle between a Zanu PF legislator and his MDC counterpart are cause for concern. Sadly this despicable occurrence only serves to demonstrate the extent to which the legislature has ceased to regard national issues with the solemnity they deserve. The two legislators’ behaviour is a terrible example to the young people of this nation.

The Crisis Coalition is perturbed by this unfortunate development and calls upon legislators to take the people of Zimbabwe and their duties seriously. The parliament is not a wrestling ring but a platform to pursue peace, democracy and development. It is unfortunate that racial slurs were hurled at MP Bennett and equally unpalatable that he responded to this provocation through physical force. Parliamentary privilege should not be used as a guise for unparliamentary verbal or physical abuse. Regrettably both Bennett and Chinamasa are very senior legislators who should know better. What is most disturbing are allegations that some honourable members of the august house pulled out their guns and threatened to shoot during this irresponsible episode.

The Crisis Coalition calls upon the responsible authorities to investigate the matter in a professional, speedy and non-partisan manner. The only thing that parliamentarians should be fighting for is to find solutions to the multi-layered national crisis. In particular parliament should focus on resolving the unbearable levels of taxation; access to clean water; debt burden; HIV/AIDS crisis; housing shortages; transport nightmares and the high cost of living.

Visit the Crisis in Zimbabwe fact sheet

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