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NCA condemns Tsvangirai and Biti's arrests
National Constitutional Assembly (NCA)
June 12, 2008

The National Constitutional Assembly wishes to voice its concern and distress at the arrest of the Movement for Democratic Change's President Morgan Tsvangirai in Kwekwe this morning and the party's Secretary General, Mr. Tendai Biti, at the Harare International air-port this afternoon.

While condemning this appalling act by the Zimbabwean Government we wish to salute and congratulate Mr. Tsvangirai and Mr. Biti for their courageous acts, of going back to serve the people of Zimbabwe in their quest for freedom. The NCA laud Mr. Tsvangirai for defying the regime's fear tactics and giving himself to see the Zimbabwean struggle coming to its logical conclusion. Mr. Biti's act of bravery cannot go without commend given the public threats against him by the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Augustine Chihuri, of what awaited him should he go back home. Against all this he has put himself in grave danger for the sake of the struggle.

Mr. Tsvangirai and Mr. Biti's brave acts are an inspiration to all those who are at the front-line fighting for democracy. These acts of bravery are an honor to those whose blood has been spilt in the recent vicious history of Zanu-PF's intransigence in its refusal to accept that Zimbabweans want a change of Government. Their blood has not been lost in vain, the struggle for the democratic values and principles they stood for continues.

Since March 29, lives have been taken, homes destroyed, scores of activists arrested, elected officials have not been spared in this despotic campaign meant to cow the masses from expressing their desire for change once again on 27 of June.

We call upon SADC and in particular South-Africa to take Mr. Biti's arrest seriously, given the threats by the Police Commissioner and also given the prominent role he has played in the SADC's mediation. The Government of Zimbabwe must be pressured to release all political prisoners.

The NCA implores SADC to stop Zanu PF from interfering with Mr. Tsvangirai from campaigning. It is of concern to the NCA that Tsvangirai is arrested every time he takes himself to the campaign field.

SADC should there-fore view, Mr. Tsvangirai and Mr. Biti's arrests and numerous other arrests of high ranking civic officials as a deliberate attempt by the Zanu - PF party and in particular President Robert Mugabe to undermine the regional body's standing and integrity in the eyes of the world.

We reiterate that the police should stand up and defend people who are being victimized and tortured every day by Zanu- PF militia and members of the Central Intelligence office. It is of concern to the NCA that perpetrators of violence are walking free because they are a part of Zanu PF while innocent citizens are arrested, harassed and tortured on daily basis. Their crime- a demand for a free society, a demand for a democratic Zimbabwe, a demand for a "free and fair elections in which international observers are allowed to over see".

On our part as Zimbabweans we remain committed to the cause of justice and democracy. In this regard we will continue to fight for a new people driven democratic constitution which will grant the freedoms that we are yearning for as a country.

Bumbiro ngarinyorwe nevanhu

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