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Summary on politically motivated human rights and food related violations - October 2010
Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP)
November 18, 2010

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Summary

Political intolerance manifested itself in a variety of forms during the month under review resulting in a slight increase in politically motivated human rights violations throughout the country. The conclusion of the highly contested constitutional outreach meetings during the first week of the month of October in most of the provinces failed to see a reduction in violations.

Cases of assault, intimidation and harassment dominated during the month of October where the victims had their rights violated on the basis of the contributions that were made during the constitutional outreach meetings. The government has failed to protect the people's rights, to freely express themselves before and after making their contributions.

Freedom of speech continues to be covertly suppressed through various means that include verbal threats, intimidation, and assaults.

The violence and intimidation that has been reported throughout the country, following the conclusion of the outreach exercise, has clearly showed that the process has failed to meet the universally and internationally recognised benchmarks for a people driven process.

A disturbing phenomenon has emerged from most of the province, particularly in Manicaland where victims are assaulted and harassed for contributions they have made during the constitutional outreach meetings. The majority of the victims have been those who openly advocated for a limited presidential term for the president to be included in the constitution and the issue of title deeds to be used compared to the 99 year leases.

Military presence in communities has been a source of constant fear for villagers, who anticipate a repeat of the 2008 electoral violence at the hands of the Zanu PF militias and serving members of the army. The military's show of power has been strong in Mashonaland East, where soldiers at Joko Army Barracks are taking their training drills to the villages, instead of the secluded military base near Mutoko.

Traditional leaders from Manicaland province were subjected to what was termed an "indoctrination workshop" by the army at 3 Brigade, where they were told to support Zanu PF or face being removed from their leadership positions. During the workshop the army commander of 3 Brigade openly declared his support for Zanu PF.

The talk of possible elections next year has also heightened tensions among villagers with political party officials already in campaign mode across the country. The provinces of Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East, as well as the provinces of Manicaland and Masvingo which were perceived as Zanu PF strongholds are specifically being targeted for rigorous campaigning.

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