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The arrest of ZCTU leadership: An act of state desperation
National Constitutional Assembly (NCA)
September 13, 2006

The NCA unreservedly condemns the arrest of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) leadership in the wake of protests that had been set to take place around the country today, 13 September 2006.

The arrests are nothing but an attempt by the ZANU PF regime to install fear among Zimbabweans who have become restless owing to the deepening political and socio-economic crisis. The arrests and the blocking of roads are part of the regime's continuing attempts to ensure that the people are perpetually suppressed from expressing their legitimate views and concerns. It is shameful that the ZCTU leadership has been arrested for supporting the workers' call to peacefully express their views on the deteriorating political and socio-economic situation in the country. Surely, there is nothing wrong with workers petitioning the government for wages that are above the poverty datum line. There is nothing wrong with workers calling for free access to Anti Retro Virals (ARVs) to save millions of lives that are being ravaged by the Aids pandemic. There is indeed nothing wrong with workers calling for the opening of the country's democratic space.

In as much as they have simply raised these legitimate concerns, the leaders of ZCTU have not done anything wrong. Their arrest was uncalled for and is therefore illegal. The arrests are no less than an affirmation of the state of repression being presided over by the ZANU PF regime. Having exposed us to extreme poverty and desperation, this regime is unashamedly bent on continually trumping on the little remains of our freedoms. This cannot and will not be tolerated. Zimbabwe has never been and can never be a nation of sheep. As Zimbabweans, we will tirelessly press for the redemption of our freedom from the ZANU PF regime that is currently holding it hostage.

In its resolve to work among Zimbabweans in the fight for democracy and prosperity, the NCA will be staging massive demonstrations across Zimbabwe in the coming week. The acts of intimidation and primitive repression that were shown by the police today will not deter the people of Zimbabwe from fighting for a democratic constitution that will help them reclaim their freedom. We, therefore notify the regime that the kind of madness displayed today will not stand in the way of the people next week.

Lovemore Madhuku
NCA Chairperson

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