Farai Dziva|The MDC Alliance says the persecution of opposition members and human rights defenders by Emmerson Mnangagwa’s troubled administration is a sign of desperation.

See full statement below:

01 August 2020

The MDC Alliance condemns the arrest and persecution of National Spokesperson Adv Fadzai Mahere, Acting Chairperson of the Women’s Assembly Hon Mugidho,National Youth Organising Secretary Godfrey Kuraone, councillor Edward Dzeka and many others.

We demand their immediate and unconditional release.

The right to peaceful protest is provided for by the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

The fact that the illegitimate ZANU-PF government does not like it can not make it legal. Law is not based on the regime’s likes or dislikes.

Yesterday, across the country, there were a myriad of other unlawful arrests, including that of award winning author Tsitsi Dangarembwa, Mdudusi Matutu’s family members among others.

All these arrests further tarnish an already bad image of our country.

If Mnangagwa and ZANU-PF are serious, they must arrest corruption, state capture, hunger, poverty and economic decay.

The weaponisation of law and systematic targeting of members of the MDC Alliance and dissenting citizens is a sign of desperation. A clear manifestation of an unstable and panicking government.

Clifford Hlatywayo
Deputy National Spokesperson