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The arrest and detention of the President of the Law Society of Zimbabwe
Trustees of the Legal Resources Foundation (LRF)
June 06, 2002

The Trustees of the Legal Resources Foundation (LRF) are appalled by the arrest and detention of the President of the Law Society of Zimbabwe, Sternford Moyo and the Society's Secretary Wilbert Mapombere under the draconian Public Order and Security Act.

The two were detained on Monday afternoon 3 June and released, without being charged, on Wednesday afternoon 5 June after the expiry of the 48 hours that the police are permitted to hold persons, without charging them, in terms of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act.

On the information available to us at this time, it would seem that the action by the police is part of the general harassment of persons and institutions who are calling for accountability in Zimbabwe. The police action appears to be vindictive and we query whether it was justified. It also appears to have been deliberately designed to humiliate and traumatize the two lawyers as well as intimidate the legal profession as a whole and silence the Law Society from persuing a principled stance on the administration of justice in Zimbabwe. The Law Society is one of the main custodians of human rights in Zimbabwe and as such, has been forthright in its criticism of perceived and real abuses at various levels in this country. Any attempts to undermine its credibility are unreservedly condemned. The LRF calls upon the state to draw the matter to a speedy and just conclusion.

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