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Illegal
arrest and detention of human rights lawyer must stop
African
Lawyers for the Defense of Civil Society Network
March 18, 2013
The African
Lawyers for the Defense of Civil Society Network calls for the immediate
release of Beatrice Mtetwa who was unlawfully arrested and detained
on the 17th March 2013 in Harare, a few hours after the constitutional
referendum. She is currently still in police custody at Rhodesville
police station despite a High Court order served on the police early
this morning ordering for her release.
Beatrice Mtetwa
was unlawfully arrested at the scene of a police raid on her client’s
home after requesting for a valid search warrant and inventory list
for materials that had already been removed by the police.
“We’ve
observed a catalogue of failings by the state to protect human rights
and the flagrant impunity of state agents continues to thrive in
Zimbabwe. Human rights lawyers and defenders have sustained many
attempts to curtail their rights to freedom of expression and association.
It is time for the Government to reverse this retrogressive trend
and make a strong commitment to respect and protect fundamental
human rights, said Stephanie Muchai the Co-Chairperson of the African
Lawyers for the Defense of Civil Society Network”
Mtetwa is charged
with defeating and/or obstructing the course of justice under the
Criminal Law
(Codification and Reform) Act.
Police handcuffed
Mtetwa for protesting and proceeded to unlawfully confiscate her
mobile phone containing privileged lawyer-client communication.
She was held in an unmarked police vehicle whilst searches proceeded
at her client’s home and office in the absence of legal representation.
She was consequently detained at Rhodesville police station at 5.30pm
yesterday.
Police have
further refused to comply with a High Court Order for her release
despite being advised that their actions are in contempt of court.
The African
Lawyers for the Defense of Civil Society Network stands in solidarity
with Beatrice Mtetwa, her lawyers, and others calling for a stand
against the intimidation and harassment of human rights lawyers
and underscores the right of these lawyers to carry out their professional
duties without hindrance, vilification and degradation.
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