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Strikes and Protests 2007- Save Zimbabwe Campaign
UN
rights chief welcomes court intervention in favour of opposition
leader
Office of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
(OHCHR)
March 13, 2007
View Save Zimbabwe
Campaign index
of images and articles
United
Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour today Welcomed
the Zimbabwean High Court’s order that an opposition leader be provided
immediately with all necessary medical treatment and brought before
the Court or released after reports that he was seriously injured
in police custody.
"I welcome
the speed and firmness with which Zimbabwe’s courts have acted in
the face of shocking reports of police abuse," she said in
a statement on Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the Movement for Democratic
Change (MDC).
According to consistent
reports, excessive use of force at a rally last Sunday resulted
in one death and many casualties, including women and children.
Several people, including five senior members of the MDC are in
police custody. Mr. Tsvangirai was reportedly seriously injured
as a result of beatings sustained in custody.
"This form
of repression and intimidation of a peaceful assembly is unacceptable,
and the loss of life makes this even more disturbing," Ms.
Arbour said. "I urge the Zimbabwean authorities to ensure an
immediate, impartial and comprehensive investigation into these
events. I encourage the courts to continue to discharge their responsibilities
as guardians of the rights of all Zimbabweans."
Yesterday Secretary-General
Ban Ki-moon urged the Government to release opposition leaders
being held by police and condemned the reported beatings they suffered
in custody.
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