WUNRN
PRESS RELEASE
27 October 2008
The Women’s Coalition of
Zimbabwe (WCoZ) had mobilized nearly 1000 women who were tear- gassed and badly
beaten as they regrouped at a spot near the
Women started grouping for
the demonstration around the Rainbow Towers at about 7am on Monday 27 October
2008 and the police dispersed them using tear gas and some of the women were
beaten up. Some of the women even attempted to go directly to the
National Coordinator of the
WCoZ, Netsai Mushonga is amongst those arrested and information reaching their
offices said the group has been denied access to lawyers. Emilia Muchawa, WCoZ
Chairperson, said “the major concern by women is manifest hunger, amongst other
emergencies and the dire concern that failure to resolve the impasse will
further exarcebate the situation.”
It is for these reasons that
the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe demands the following;
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UPDATE ON WOMEN ARRESTS IN ZIMBABWE
Amnesty International
28 October 2008
The
Zimbabwe Police released from police custody at least 40 women who were
arbitrarily arrested on 27 October during a peaceful protest outside the venue
of a meeting between the country's top leaders and their Southern African
counterparts. The women, many of whom were in their 60s, were released at about
9pm last night.
Those
arrested were members of the Women's Coalition, an organization working for the
equality of women. They were peacefully praying and protesting outside the
Rainbow Towers Hotel in
They were charged
with "disorderly conduct in a public place" under the Criminal Law
(Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23] and released after paying a fine.
They were initially denied access to a lawyer. They only were able to speak
with a lawyer for a couple of minutes as they were getting their lunch. Their
colleagues were able to bring in food, sanitary pads and painkillers for the women.
At least 30
people were also injured when the police used tear gas and batons to disperse protestors.
The majority of those injured were women from the Women's Coalition. Their
injuries were consistent with being beaten with batons, falls during flight,
teargas inhalation and other injuries. One activist was admitted at a private
clinic for observation after inhaling teargas and experiencing respiratory
distress. Four others were admitted for severe injuries and suspected
fractures.
Protestors
from other organizations including student, youth and other human rights
groups, were also beaten by the police with batons, exposed to tear gas and
some had to receive medical treatment for their injuries.
Amnesty International
condemns the continued arbitrary arrest, detention and use of excessive force
against peaceful protestors by police. Amnesty International also calls on the
Southern African Development Community leaders to speak out against human
rights violations and demand an end to the suppression of the rights to
peaceful assembly and freedom of expression and association.
__________________________________________________________________
WOMEN PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE
Also on 27
October, prisoners of conscience Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu, leaders
of the activist organisation Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), were denied bail
following their arrest on 16 October 2008. They are being held at Mlondolozi
Prison, where conditions are said to fall well below international standards.
The two
activists were arbitrarily arrested after participating in a peaceful protest
outside Mhlahlandlela Government Complex in
Amnesty International
considers Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu to be prisoners of conscience
and calls for their immediate and unconditional release. Their arrest is part
of the government of
On 31
October 2008 Amnesty International will publish a new report,
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