Authorities set fire to attack on human rights defenders and observers

The Zimbabwean authorities arrested two other human rights defenders at Harare airport this afternoon amid a growing attack on the right to freedom of expression and badociation. , said today Amnesty International.

The two people, Stabile Dewah (35) and Rita Nyamupinga (61), bring to seven the number of human rights defenders arrested at Robert Mugabe International Airport over the last seven days on their return from their homes. a capacity building workshop on non-violent protest tactics. in the Maldives.

"The first five human rights defenders arrested face trumped up charges for exercising their fundamental rights. They should be released immediately and unconditionally. The charges against them are part of a much broader crackdown that we documented in Zimbabwe, "said Muleya Mwananyanda, Deputy Director of Amnesty International for Southern Africa.

The first activists, George Makoni, Tatenda Mombeyarara, Gamuchirai Mukura, Nyasha Mpahlo and Farirai Gumbonzvanda, have been accused of "attempting to overthrow the government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa". The two activists arrested today should also be accused of subverting a constitutional government.

"Since the January protests, we have seen a growing crackdown on human rights defenders and activists. Lawyers, journalists and even doctors have not been spared. The Zimbabwean authorities have declared anyone exercising their right to expression and freedom of badociation, an enemy of the state. This witch hunt must stop, "said Muleya Mwananyanda.

The first four human rights defenders were arrested when they landed on 20 May. Farirai Gumbonzvanda was also arrested at the Harare airport on 21 May at about 4 pm local time.

The authorities accused them of attending a workshop organized by a Serbian NGO in the Maldives, the Center for Applied Nonviolent Action and Strategies (CANVAS).

They were formally charged with conspiracy to overthrow President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government on May 21 and were returned to Chikurubi's maximum security prison.

Police confiscated their laptops and mobile phones, which were reportedly handed over to the Zimbabwe Postal and Regulatory Authority "for the extraction of evidence". The evidence, including some notes recorded at the meeting, will be produced in court as evidence against the activists.

"Zimbabwean authorities must stop resorting to false accusations to intimidate and harbad human rights defenders and civil society leaders. The rights to freedom of expression and badociation are not merely "constitutional" requirements; These are legal human rights that all Zimbabweans must live and enjoy every day, "said Muleya Mwananyanda.

Context
On Wednesday, May 17, the government used the state-controlled and controlled Herald newspaper to accuse civil society organizations of "plotting to unleash violent protests" in Zimbabwe, citing the meeting at which activists had attended.

The rights to freedom of badociation, badembly and expression have been called into question in the country since January, after soaring fuel prices, the cost of living has exploded, commodities having become too expensive for the ordinary man.