via ROHR condemns assaults on human rights activists – ROHR Zimbabwe – ROHR Zimbabwe 7 November 2014
Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR) would like to strongly condemn the sustained assault on independent media journalists, human rights lawyers and activists by President Robert Mugabe, through the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), in arbitrary detentions, arrests and physical violence.
ROHR strongly condemns the barbaric and brutal assault on journalist-cum-political activist Itai Dzamara, almost killed and currently fighting for his life; his crime – exercising his democratic and constitutional right by undertaking a peaceful demonstration in Africa Unity Square (see: http://www.bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-national-byo-57004.html#sthash.Jz0Hzq1l.dpuf).
ROHR is aware that this dictatorial policy is not new and is a deliberate attempt to silence criticism and dissent against the government in line with recent comments by Mrs Grace Mugabe that ZANU would silence those who criticise them (see: http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2014/10/17/live-updates-words-grace-mugabe-marondera-rally/).
This is an infringement on the freedom of expression as guaranteed in the Zimbabwe constitution. ROHR calls upon the Mugabe regime to desist from flagrant flaunting of human rights and to fully uphold the constitution of Zimbabwe.
President Mugabe and his government must be accountable to the people, should be tolerant of criticism where they fall short of the people’s expectations and resign if they cannot deliver on their promise.
We warn Mr Mugabe that the people of Zimbabwe will not be silenced no matter the amount of force deployed against them. And we rightly call upon patriotic Zimbabweans to rise for their motherland!
‘You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.’ Matthew Ch14, v1.
Tino Mashonganyika
ROHR Head of Information and Publicity Department
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