The UK & Ireland Province is deeply concerned with the continued persecution of our MDC members and leaders. This escalated campaign of harassment, intimidation and political bullying tactics is not helpful for a country so economically on its knees and trying to engage the international community. The Mnangagwa government’s strategy is intent on frustrating the MDC to keep the party occupied with the business of their captured Courts & Police.

The result of this behaviour is now seen in the commodity shortages, damaged infrastructures and corrupted social fabric. These will only get worse if this behaviour is not curtailed.

The Court Case judgement of the MDC Secretary General Hon Hwende is a clear
miscarriage of Justice in which the Court ruled in favour of the State’s application for a
postponement. The case was further remanded to the 18th March 2020. This Judgment is a clear political ruling, inductive of a system not independent and answering to partisan political instructions. Hon Hwende has been deprived of his freedom for almost a year, this is an infringement of his human rights and must not be tolerated. At most, Hon Hwende is being emotionally tortured, this is a tactic to frustrate and to break him in the end.

Other on-going cases against the MDC leaders and members continue, with many court cases planned across March.

The Province is also very disappointed with the 12 Youths who were arrested including the Youth National Spokesperson, Steven Sarkozy Chuma. They were remanded in custody and we are very concerned for their safety.

This month of March will see many of MDC members and leaders in and out of Court rooms.

This level of abuse is unwarranted and unacceptable.

This regime’s behaviour highlights a dangerously desperate government that will stop at nothing in its quest to cling onto power.

The Province stands in solidarity with the persecuted cadres . We also implore Mnangagwa’s government to stop this onslaught on our people.

MDC UK & Ireland Communications Department
4 March 2020