Zimbabwe CSOs Call for Release of Detained Human Rights Defenders
We, the undersigned organizations, working in solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe, are deeply troubled by the arbitrary arrest of human rights defenders Namatai Kwekweza, Samuel Gwenzi, Vusumuzi Moyo, and Robson Chere at Robert Mugabe International Airport on July 31, 2024. As a result of the dragnet approach, they also arrested an innocent artist, Vusumuzi Moyo, a renowned sound engineer, who was travelling to Victoria Falls for a concert and is in no way an activist. The detention of rights defenders, while enroute to a crucial African philanthropy conference in Victoria Falls, constitutes a blatant disregard for fundamental human rights and democratic principles.
The unwarranted actions of the security forces, who forcibly removed these individuals from a commercial flight, are a gross violation of their personal liberty and professional rights. Holding them incommunicado for eight hours is a cruel and unusual punishment that contravenes both domestic and international law. To subsequently charge them with the frivolous offense of disorderly conduct is a cynical attempt to justify their unlawful detention.
Zimbabwe is a signatory to the United Nations Charter and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which enshrine the principles of freedom of assembly, association, and expression. These fundamental rights are further protected under the Zimbabwean Constitution sections 58, 59, 60 and 61. The actions taken against these human rights defenders are in direct conflict with these commitments.
We condemn this incident as a deliberate attempt to intimidate and silence civil society. It is a chilling reminder of the shrinking space for human rights defenders in Zimbabwe. The government’s disregard for the rule of law and its persistent erosion of democratic freedoms are a threat to the nation’s stability and progress.
As Zimbabwe prepares to assume the chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), it is imperative that the government demonstrates its commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law. The arbitrary arrest of these human rights defenders undermines the country’s credibility and its ability to lead the region.
We call upon the Zimbabwean government to immediately and unconditionally release Namatai Kwekweza, Samuel Gwenzi, Vusumuzi Moyo, and Robson Chere. We demand a thorough and impartial investigation into their arrest and the conduct of the security forces involved. Furthermore, we urge the government to take concrete steps to protect the rights of human rights defenders and to create an enabling environment for civil society to operate freely.
The international community and the region must also play its part in condemning this egregious human rights violation. We call upon regional and international bodies to exert pressure on Zimbabwe to respect the rights of its citizens and to adhere to its domestic and international human rights obligations.
Signed:
