Zimbabwe human rights and political activists back in detention
Harare, 6 May-(ANA)-Amnesty International has called for the immediate and unconditional release or prompt and fair trial of 18 human rights and political activists detained yesterday, just two months after they were released from prison after having been tortured.
The group of 18 detainees includes Jestina Mukoko, Director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project, a leading human rights organisation in Zimbabwe. All are accused of plotting to topple the previous government.
“Jestina Mukoko is being detained solely for her legitimate human rights work,” said Veronique Aubert, Deputy Director of Amnesty International’s Africa Programme.
“She should be immediately and unconditionally released and the politically-motivated charges against her should be dropped.”
Amnesty said that all detainees were victims of enforced disappearance, torture and other ill-treatment at the hands of state agents between October and December 2008. (ANA)
