The arrest of Heal Zimbabwe Director and Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition Chairperson, Mr Rashid Mahiya on spurious charges of trying to overthrow a ‘constitutionally elected Government’ , is ridiculous as it is unfounded and a direct attack on civil society by the Government of Zimbabwe. We have seen the escalation of criminalisation of civil society work and its leadership, this is as illegal as it is unacceptable.

We call on the Government of Zimbabwe to uphold the Constitution and international obligations which guarantees freedom of expression and assembly. Attempts to criminalise the work of civil society is a clear sign of deepening tyranny and authoritarian rule.

We stand in solidarity with Rashid Mahiya and all other civil society leaders and activists who are being persecuted by the State. Further, we are grateful for the support and solidarity from our regional and international partners.

Released by;

Generational Consensus