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Statement on office raid
Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ)
August 21, 2012

GALZ is disturbed by the continued harassment and the unjust Police raids that are severely compromising its efforts to reach out to its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has carried out two raids in two weeks, arresting, harassing and assaulting members of GALZ. The raid of the 20th of August is unjust and signifies the continued, sustained attempts by the state to clampdown on organisations that are playing an important role of empowering citizens to be more informed to seek and demand justice.

The seizure of computers and GALZ publications is another attempt to derail GALZ efforts. It is ironic that some of the machines seized are the same machines that were recently returned to GALZ from the raid of the GALZ offices in May 2010.

State sponsored violence and homophobia sways public opinion in a negative way. It also exposes LGBTI people to public violence. State Sponsored Homophobia has the potential to escalate violence and vulnerability of LGBTI people in public and private spheres of their lives.

We reiterate our call to the police to end the unjustified harassment of GALZ and its community. Every person in Zimbabwe is entitled to hold opinions and impart ideas without interference. Zimbabweans have a right to assemble freely associate with other persons and to belong to an association that protects their interests.

GALZ remains resolute in its quest to represent and protect the rights and interests of all LGBTI citizens despite such unprecedented challenges on its human rights defenders. We continue to work towards contributing to a just society that protects the human rights of all LGBTI people as equal citizens in Zimbabwe.

Visit the GALZ fact sheet

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