via UK university honours Mtetwa with doctoral degree | SW Radio Africa by Tichaona Sibanda December 13, 2013
Leading human rights lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa was on Wednesday presented with an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by the University of Bath in the UK, for championing human rights and free speech in Zimbabwe.
Mtetwa, who was only acquitted by the courts in Harare last month after she was charged with obstructing justice in June, was one of eight honorary graduates at the ceremony.
The university noted that Mtetwa is particularly known for her defence of arrested journalists and human rights workers, both local and international, who have spoken out against the country’s political situation.
‘Her challenging of the system has led to arrest, beatings and assault by the police. Her bravery and integrity in defending freedom of the press have led to her recognition internationally,’ the university said in its newsletter.
Mtetwa is the recipient of several international awards including: the Inamori Prize for Ethics, the International Press Freedom Award from the Committee to Protect Journalists, the International Human Rights Award from the American Bar Association Section of Litigation.
She is the only African, besides the late Nelson Mandela, to receive the Ludovic-Trarieux International Human Rights Prize from France.
COMMENTS
Congratulations Beatrice. A hugely deserved accolade.
Like all true fighters for liberation, you have been persecuted. Sadly in your case, by the previous generation of liberation warriors! Who were also persecuted in their time, but have now forgotten.
well done Beatrice a well deserved honour. We both learned a lot from our failed prosecution attempt of a corrupt civil servant in the face of the brilliance of defence lawyer Bruce longhurst.
you deserve it, girl!
You deserve it. Congratulations!
Brilliantly impressive.