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Human rights abuses soar in face of mass action
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition
June 03, 2003

The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition notes with concern the widespread human rights violations which have accompanied the beginning of a week long mass action called by the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and supported by students, labour leaders and other members of civil society.

Across the country, students, pro-democracy activists, and those suspected of organising or supporting the mass action have been targeted for arrest and have been subject to police brutality. In addition, the government’s tactics to suppress dissent has taken a worrying turn as youth members of paramilitary groups also led attacks against suspected demonstrators and bystanders alike.

In Harare, for example, police used dogs, tear gas and live ammunition to break up demonstrators both in the city centre and in the high density areas. On Monday June 2, two people from Highfields were treated in hospital for gunshot wounds. Reports indicate a strong presence of military and paramilitary actors in the high density areas, with army tankers and military helicopters doing rounds. In the city centre, there was a heavy police presence on the afternoon of Monday June 2, and the police were witnessed intimidating groups of bystanders for example by making them do press ups on the road, and by forcing them carry their bicycles to cross the street rather than allowing people to ride them.

At the University of Zimbabwe, police barricaded the campus and fired teargas to prevent students from leaving. The police then tear gassed the hostels and assaulted many of the students. At least 20 students were arrested, and more than 50 have been treated in hospital for injuries sustained from beatings and from jumping out of the windows of their hostels. At the Harare Polytechnic, eight students were arrested on Sunday June 1 for allegedly rallying support for this week’s mass action.

In addition, five MDC Members of Parliament, the Mayor of Bulawayo, and hundreds of people including students, activists, bystanders and members of the MDC’s national, provincial and district structures have been arrested. It is reported that in Harare and Bulawayo alike at least 200 people have been arrested, while in the smaller towns of Mutare, Masvingo and Kwekwe, 34, 23 and 15 people have been arrested, respectively.

For more information:
Tel/Fax: +263 4 747817
Email: info@crisis.co.zw

Visit the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition fact sheet

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