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This article participates on the following special index pages:
2008 harmonised elections - Index of articles
Post-election violence 2008 - Index of articles & images
Elections
"neither free nor fair" says ZCTU, as attacks on unionists
continue
ITUC
June 30, 2008
http://www.ituc-csi.org/spip.php?article2257
The ITUC Zimbabwe
affiliate ZCTU
has declared the presidential run-off "neither free nor fair"
and has deplored continuing violence and threats against trade unionists.
Ruling party activists and security forces have orchestrated a national
campaign of intimidation in order to ensure that Robert Mugabe's
ZANU-PF party remains in power, with trade unionists amongst the
principal victims of the attacks.
The ZCTU chairperson
for the district of Chivhu, Tinashe Murau, was seriously beaten
by Zanu PF militia just before the 27 June Presidential Runoff.
His hand was broken and he is currently seeking medical attention.
He was beaten after the militia questioned why he wears ZCTU t-shirts
and attends ZCTU meetings.
Forty-six members of
the General Agriculture Plantation Workers' Union of Zimbabwe
(GAPWUZ), an affiliate of the ZCTU, have sought shelter in Harare
after being harassed and beaten up by youth militia. A number of
children are amongst those in shelter. The ZCTU and GAPWUZ are currently
providing them with food. Indications are that more farm workers
will be displaced.
The Progressive
Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), also an affiliate of the
ZCTU, has closed its office after its officials were harassed by
unknown people since the start of the Presidential Run Off. Two
carloads of thugs visited the home of PTUZ General Secretary Raymond
Majongwe, but fortunately he was not at his home at the time. Others
threatened the wife of the PTUZ Treasurer, claiming that they wanted
to take her to 'a funeral'.
ZCTU councilor Rebecca
Butau, based in Chegutu, was also seriously beaten and had to seek
medical attention. Her attackers said they were looking for David
Zunde, another union official from the food industry. Zunde is currently
in hiding.
"The actions of
Robert Mugabe and those who have taken part in this vicious campaign
have resulted in a huge set-back for Zimbabwe. The challenge is
now before the international community, and in particular the leaders
of all Southern African countries, to refuse to recognise this illegitimate
election sham. They need to make it totally clear to Mr Mugabe and
ZANU-PF that nothing except full respect for democracy and the rule
of law can be accepted", said ITUC General Secretary Guy Ryder.
*The ITUC
represents 168 million workers in 155 countries and territories
and has 311 national affiliates.
*For more
information, please contact the ITUC Press Department on: +32 2
224 0204 or +32 476 621 018.
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