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Threats to and attacks on the judiciary unacceptable
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR)
May 24, 2008

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) wishes to express its concern about recent attacks against human life and property which continue to be perpetrated with impunity.

ZLHR has confirmed that a motor vehicle belonging to a Gutu Resident Magistrate, Musaiona Shortgame, which was parked outside his home in Mupandawana Growth Point was burnt and reduced to a shell at around 02:00hrs on 21 April 2008. Several threats on his life have been made recently, and he was also accused of allegedly failing to hand down judgments that were favorable to ZANU PF. Mr. Shortgame had been presiding over several cases of political violence in the past weeks.

ZLHR remains greatly concerned about the attacks and the personal security of Mr. Shortgame and other judicial officers across the country. We condemn all forms of political violence, particularly arson, as well as threats and intimidatory tactics directed at members of the judiciary. It is worth noting that this is not the first time that the judiciary has been attacked and/or intimidated in the last few years in Zimbabwe.

The impartiality and independence of the judiciary must be upheld at all times and not undermined. Judicial officers have a fundamental right to be protected against malicious attacks from any source during the course and scope of their employment, or as a result of decisions they make after a fair assessment of facts and evidence in relation to cases before them. The independence of the judiciary as enshrined in Zimbabwe's supreme law, the Constitution, and as articulated in the major regional and international human rights instruments to which Zimbabwe is a State Party, is a core principle of any democratic society. Such independence is basic to any concept of justice and to the rule of law.

ZLHR urges all individuals to desist from engaging in any acts of violence against the judiciary which have the effect of undermining their independence and further eroding the rule of law in Zimbabwe, as well as interfering with the court's duty to extend protection to all individuals in terms of the law, no matter their station in life and/or their political affiliation..

ZLHR demands the immediate cessation of all threats to and attacks on judicial officers' well-being and independence. Further, the Regional Magistrate, the Chief Magistrate and officials in the Ministry of Justice, Legal & Parliamentary Affairs who bear responsibility for ensuring the safety, well-being and independence of magistrates must be seen to be taking strong action against such attacks in order to make it clear that they will not be tolerated and to counter the ongoing culture of impunity for such attacks.

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