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Crackdown on civil society persists
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition
May 24, 2011

Police today, 24 May 2011 detained Centre for Community Development in Zimbabwe (CCDZ) Programs Officers Vellim Nyama and Tsungai Vere and Institute for Young Women Director, Glanis Changachirere for two hours at a roadside near Nzvimbo in Mashonaland Central while on their way to a community workshop. The police, who confiscated flyers and posters, released the trio with no charges.

The incident comes barely a day after police in Tsholotsho defied a court order by Bulawayo Magistrate Ntmbizodwa Mazhandu granting the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) permission to proceed with an anti-torture workshop at Tshino business centre. Despite the order, police disrupted the meeting and arrested two ZimRights employees, Florence Ndlovu and Walter Dube for convening an "unsanctioned' meeting. Lawyers were denied access to the duo who remain in custody at Nyamandlovu police station. Charges have not yet been specified.

The unlawful detentions by the police are disrespect for the freedom of assembly which is fundamental in every society. The Coalition castigates the continued crackdown on civic players and call upon the inclusive government to respect and uphold fundamental freedoms particularly the freedoms of assembly and association.

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