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CSOs to engage SADC over shrinking democratic space
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition
March 24, 2010

Civil Society organisation in Zimbabwe will engage the Southern Africa Development Committee (SADC) through South African President Jacob Zuma over the shrinking democratic space in the country.

Speaking at a media conference held on the 24th of March 2010 at the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights ZLHR), Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition Coordinator, Mr McDonald Lewanika highlighted that CSOs would engage SADC on developments of the past two months which are deferring the democratic agenda in Zimbabwe. He further lamented the exclusion of CSOs in governance issues by the government leading to the misconception that CSOs are not supposed to discuss or attempt to tackle governance issue. 'For too long civil society has been excluded by political parties and state institutions and actors from participating as is its fundamental right in issues around governance, reconciliation and national healing,' he said.

The media conference was held in response to the brief detention of ZimRights Director, Mr. Okay Machisa at Harare Central Police Station on the 23rd of March 2010. According to a press statement released by the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) and delivered by its Director, Ms Irene Petras, two truckloads of uniformed and plain clothes police officers descended on the Gallery Delta premises in Harare and proceeded, without warrant or justifiable basis, to remove 65 photographs which formed an exhibition entitled 'Reflections' scheduled for release at the same venue. Chief Superintendent Gwangwava advised that he had "not approved" the launch and gave Mr. Machisa seven days to provide 'letters of consent from individuals and organisations appearing in these photographs', failure of which would lead to unspecified criminal charges against Mr. Machisa.

Mr. Lewanika pointed out that such behaviour shown by the police is solely calculated to instil fear, paralysis and trauma within civil society and to prevent free assembly, association and expression around national events and processes.

This is not the first time suspected state operatives have threatened Mr. Okay Machisa. Last month the ZimRights Director received an email from suspected state security agents threatening his life and advising him to stay away from activism.

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