18 January 2019
Dear Ambassador Alexander Fasel
(Representing His Excellency President Alain Berset)
Embassy of Switzerland
16-18 Montagu Place, Marylebone, London
W1H 2BQ
RE: STOP ZIMBABWE DICTATOR ‘PRESIDENT’ EMMERSON MNANGAGWA AND HIS DELEGATION FROM ENTERING SWITZERLAND DUE TO HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS.
The Zimbabwe ‘President’, Emmerson Mnangagwa and his delegation, will be arriving in Switzerland for the World Economic Forum Summit in Davos. This is amid torture, abductions, brutality by state apparatus (military, police, Central Intelligence Organisation and ruling party ZANU PF hit squads) currently underway in our country.
The Government of Zimbabwe has shutdown internet services in order to stop the flow of information and to hide the brutality from the international community.
Zimbabwe citizens are being slaughtered, using live ammunition, like chickens, in the townships, yet Switzerland will allow the President Mnangagwa who is responsible for such massacres to eat, wine and dine on their soil.
The number of those arbitrarily arrested exceeds 500 so far according to Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights [ZLHR]* and Zimbabwe Doctors for Human Rights [ZDHR], and these include minors. These organisations have issued a statement saying they are treating hundreds of injured civilians for various violence related injuries. The number of deaths is not yet clear as communication is being tampered with and manipulated by state agents.
Though we do not support violent protest we feel that the Zimbabwe state security arms in association with militant Zanu pf Hit squad reaction is disproportionate for the required level of engagement.
The whole World understands and appreciate the fact that Switzerland prides herself as a neutral country. However, the clear evidence of state sponsored massacres currently happening in Zimbabwe need acknowledging. ‘President’ Mnangagwa and his delegation must be barred from entering your country under humanitarian reasons.
Let me take you back to 2011 when your predecessor Madam President Micheline Calmy-Rey denied the Zimbabwe government officials visas to attend a United Nations ICT conference. They immediately changed for a short period their abusive behaviour and human rights violations. Hence, by denying them entry now, ‘President’ Mnangagwa and his cronies will head home tails between their legs. The clear message from your government may be instrumental in ending these Human Rights violations, as it once did before.
Switzerland should come to the rescue of suffering Zimbabweans by putting a bold statement that yes WEF in Davos is for business but countries should respect and honour UN declaration of human rights.
Looking forward to your cooperation and response on this matter.
Yours Sincerely
Silvanos Mudzvova
On behalf of other activists karen nhakaniso , Delina T Mutyambizi , Precious N Moyo , Olive R Ruzvidzo, lilian Nleya Representing Restoration of Human Rights ( ROHR ZIMBABWE) a charity that defends rights in Zimbabwe.