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This article participates on the following special index pages:
Strikes and Protests 2007- Save Zimbabwe Campaign
ZESN
condemns police brutality in Harare
Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN)
March 12, 2007
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Campaign index
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The Zimbabwe
Election Support Network (ZESN) strongly condemns the fatal police
shooting of Gift Tandare, an MDC supporter that took place on Sunday
the 11th of March 2007 at a Save Zimbabwe prayer gathering that
was to be held at Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield. This comes after
the police, under the Public
Order and Security Act [Chapter 11:17] (POSA) issued a statement
prohibiting the holding of public demonstrations and rallies last
month, which the Network condemned as undemocratic.
In a separate incident it is alleged that two more people were shot
at the funeral of the deceased Gift Tandare early this morning,
which further shows the state's continued disregard of the
sanctity of human life.
In a situation where the police are ordinarily mandated to provide
security to the citizens by the country's laws, it is shocking
to note that our police caused the loss of life of the very citizens
they are supposed to protect.
The mere use of live ammunition on unarmed civilians is an unwarranted
heavy handedness by the police, which deserves all forms of condemnation.
ZESN therefore calls the local justice system, regional and international
communities to join hands in holding those responsible for the brutality
and gross violation of human rights accountable. ZESN further, urges
the police to exercise restraint in dealing with citizens.
ZESN is increasingly worried by the state's blatant disregard
of the fundamental freedoms of expression and association in the
country, which have closed the democratic space conducive for the
holding of free and fair elections. It is the call for democracy
that every citizen should take part in determining the destiny of
his/her country through either association or expression of their
desire.
A society with a closed democratic space often degenerates into
civil unrests. It is ZESN's fear that such incidents will
create an undesirable antagonistic relationship and deepen polarisation
between the state and society.
ZESN therefore re-emphasises its calls upon the regulatory authorities
to revoke prohibition orders on rallies, ensure the upholding of
human rights and give respect to the country's judiciary system.
ZESN demands the respect for human rights and the opening up of
democratic space by allowing ALL political actors to market their
ideas and policies freely to the citizens, especially in view of
the 2008 Presidential elections fever, which is gathering momentum.
Visit the ZESN
fact
sheet
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