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Zimbabweâ: Police repress an opposition demonstration in Harare

ByThe Mwebantu Team

The police violently disperse the supporters of the opposition before the court of the capital

Zimbabwean police used Matraques to disperse, Thursday, a demonstration of opposition supporters gathered before the Court of First Instance of Harare. The demonstrators expressed their anger at the maintenance of dozens of activists arrested in mid-June, after having gathered without official authorization.

Dozens of supporters of the citizens’ coalition for change (CCC) had gathered in court, chanting slogans to demand the release of 78 activists. The latter had been arrested during a barbecue commemorating the day of the African child, organized at the residence of Jameson Timba, interim chief of an opposition faction.

The rally degenerated into scuffles when the police, present in numbers, jostled a lawyer addressing journalists outside the court. Opposition supporters intervened, which led to a muscular intervention by the police.

The activists detained, charged with public order disorder and participation in a rally aimed at promoting violence, risk a fine or up to five years in prison if they are found guilty. Their lawyers argue that they had no violent intention and that the meeting was peaceful.

Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have condemned arrests and detentions, describing them as part of a disturbing scheme of repression against the rights to the freedom to meet and of peaceful expression. Amnesty asked for an investigation into the allegations of torture suffered by certain activists during their detention.

These organizations claim that the repression continues to target the opposition, university students and unionists, illustrating a persistent climate of political repression despite the promises of democratic reforms made by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Succeeding Robert Mugabe after a coup in 2017, Mnangagwa often warned opposition against any incentive to violence, while denying allegations of repression.

The Mwebantu Team
The Mwebantu Team

Led by Nia, the insightful editor-in-chief, Kwame, our technology expert, and Amara, the bold field reporter, the Mwebantu team weaves the vibrant narrative of Africa every day, forging a narrative bridge between the continent and the world. Their shared passion illuminates the mission of Mwebantu News, making African voices resonate on the global stage.