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Valentines Marchers Detained
Crisis in Zimbabwe
Coalition
February 17, 2003
The Crisis in Zimbabwe
Coalition condemns the spurious arrests of 70 Valentine’s Day celebrators
on 14 February 2003.
Women of Zimbabwe
Arise (WOZA) organised a Valentines walk for women across the country.
Women in Bulawayo, Harare and Victoria Falls walked to spread the following
message: "Zimbabweans: learn to love again! Say no to hate and violence
in all its forms and yes to love. Love us, respect us and allow us to
be women. Love us today and everyday."
In Harare, 47 women
and 7 journalists were detained for about four hours for participating
in the march. In Bulawayo, 15 women were detained overnight for participating
in the march, and were only released on Saturday morning. Members of the
Zimbabwe Republic Police assaulted and then arrested Father Nigel Johnson,
who was also participating in the march.
The Crisis in Zimbabwe
Coalition notes with dismay that the heavy handed and repressive actions
of the Zimbabwe Republic Police Force continues. To arrest women for exercising
their constitutional and rights of freedom of expression and freedom of
assembly is anathema to the ideals of a democratic state. That members
of the police force would assault a priest who was peacefully marching
in Bulawayo is a painfully direct illustration of the extent to which
brutality has become part of the ZRP’s code of conduct.
The Coalition demands
the immediate repeal of unjust laws such as the Public Order and Security
Act (POSA) which restricts Zimbabwean’s constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.
Moreover, the Coalition calls for the immediate depoliticisiation of the
ZRP and its return to the values of the Police Services Charter to serve
and protect the entire Zimbabwean population, in a responsible and non-partisan
manner.
Visit the Crisis in
Zimbabwe Coalition fact
sheet
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