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Top human rights lawyer arrested as police defy court order
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition
March 18, 2013

Beatrice Mtetwa was arrested and detained at Rhodesville police station in Harare on charges of obstructing the course of justice whilst carrying out her professional duties. Beatrice Mtetwa was arrested whilst trying to defend four MDC T officials who were arrested yesterday in Harare. Beatrice had gone to inquire about the search warrant that was used to raid the MDC T offices.

However, High Court Justice Hungwe granted an order for Beatrice's immediate release late last night. Nevertheless the state refused to comply with the order. According to Irene Petras the director of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) said: ‘Together with 4 other lawyers I attended Rhodesville police station at around 2.30am where police refused to comply with the court order. Law and Order personnel named in the application were made aware of the order too and similarly refused to cooperate around 3.30am. Efforts are continuing this morning’.

This means that beyond the constitution Zimbabwe still need to effect a change of political culture to ensure a democratic transition. Your on-going solidarity is appreciated.

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