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Residents in solidarity with Mukoko and fellow activists
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA)
March 03, 2009

The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) expresses solidarity with Jestina Mukoko and the other 8 activists who were granted bail albeit upon paying exorbitant bail charges over trumped-up charges. Jestina Mukoko, the Zimbabwe Peace Project head who was abducted in December 2008 and the other activists who were also abducted and frivolously charged with crimes ranging from miscellaneous offences, terrorism and treason were granted bail after a long legal battle with state agents. Furthermore, the accused were kept in custody and subjected to torture meant to force out of them, under duress of course, false information to evidence the former ZANU-PF 'defacto' government's claims.

The granting of bail to the activists has arguably been viewed as a step in the right direction with advent of the Inclusive Government and the way forward for Zimbabwe. The Association, however, maintains that the activists are frivolously charged with trumped-up charges and the legal processes must be allowed to take course without undue political (partisan) influence. Moreover, the courts and state security agents are hereby advised to stop partisan workmanship and exercise professionalism and reason in handling the cases of the accused.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture designate, Roy Bennet who is also the National Treasurer of the MDC-T and other remaining activists are being denied bail on frivolous grounds. CHRA reckons that for the sake of confidence building, economic recovery, observance of human rights and laws of Zimbabwe, and as we trudge through the current historic phase to create the Zimbabwe we are yearning for; human rights abuses, impunity and furthering selfish political interests at the expense of a nation must be a thing of the past. Abductions-cum-arrests (abrupt) must stop and the process of freeing the charged activists must be expedited immediately.

CHRA remains committed to advocating for transparent, effective, affordable and professional municipal service delivery. The Association will continue to advocate for observance of human rights, democratic and non-partisan governance at local and central government level as this creates a conducive environment civic participation in governance.

Visit the CHRA fact sheet

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