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Human Rights Defenders Update
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR)
April 30, 2004

Youth rights activist released
Tinashe Chimedza¹ was granted bail after one week of being detained and guarded by armed policeman in hospital. Chimedza had been hospitalised after he suffered a broken tooth, bruised chest, multiple lacerations and bloodshot eyes at the hands of police officers manning Marlborough Police Station and University of Zimbabwe security guards. The police officers were dispersing students and youths who had gathered to deliberate on educational freedoms and rights in Zimbabwe. Otto Saki of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) appeared to represent him.

Magistrate and Prosecutor acquitted
Senior Magistrate Mrs Caroline Chigumira and Prosecutor Mrs Blessing Gorejena-Chinawa² were acquitted of charges of contravening the Prevention of Corruption Act. They had been arrested for merely doing their job. ZLHR instructed Advocate Tonderai Bhatasara and Jacob Mafume of the Human Rights NGO Forum. The Court acquitted the two, after the lawyers filed an exception, as the charges did not disclose any offence at law.

Trade Unionist threatened
Raymond Majongwe, the Secretary General of the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) filed a complaint with Breaside Police Station after a vehicle followed him and gun-welding men disembarked and threatened him. Attempts and threats on the life of Majongwe should be condemned, as they are direct attacks on the work of human rights defenders.

The Concerns
ZLHR is gravely concerned at the attempts to detract human rights defenders in the discharge of their mandate. ZLHR further reminds the government of Zimbabwe of its obligation to protect the rights of all citizens and safeguard human rights defenders in the discharge of their mandate.

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