18 human rights and political activists were remanded back to jail after being indicted on an alleged plan to overthrow President Robert Mugabe. The order sent freelance journalist Andrison Manyere, and former journalist turned human rights activist Jestina Mukoko back to prison. 16 other MDC supporters were recalled as well. This action goes against the former Global Political Agreement (GPA) established with prosecutors in March. The GPA is the document that guides the coalition government and in the agreement the MDC had added a clause releasing all political detainees. The Harare magistrate responsible for revoking their bail agreement, Catherine Chimanda, explained her actions saying, “The law says if accused persons have been indicted, they must remain in custody.” The MDC has expressed outrage over this action and has said the magistrate has acted contradictory, not only to the original agreement, but also against the will of the people. They are particularly upset by the blatant disregard of human rights.
Critics fear this most recent action could disrupt the uneasy balance in the coalition government. President Mugabe and Prime Minister Tsvangirai plan to hold crisis talks soon to try to save the coalition government from its seemingly impending doom.
Police arrested Vincent Kahika and Constantine Chimakure on Monday for publishing an article allegedly aimed at hurting the credibility of law-enforcement agencies. Kahika is the editor of the Zimbabwe Independent newspaper and Chimakure is the news editor. The article alleged police and security agents abducted rights activists from the MDC last year. The arrests couldn’t be at a worse time because Western governments are refusing to give Zimbabwe money until there is political reform and new human rights legislation. Mugabe has jailed many foreign and local journalists and has closed privately owned newspapers and radio stations. The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has called the actions unjustifiable and unsustainable, citing the source of information as indictment papers, which became public record after the attorney general brought them before a judge.
In a follow up story the editors arrested in the morning had been released from detention. The court magistrate found the charges ill founded and let the men free. Although this is a step in the right direction the frequent arrests of activists have raised doubts about the efficiency of the coalition government.
I hate to say this but maybe a coalition government is not right for Zimbabwe. It seems the Zanu-PF are still abusing their powers and are doing more harm than good for the country. They are hurting the humanitarian record and discouraging foreign investors from helping with their economic problems. If the Zanu-PF really care about Zimbabwe and its people it is time for them to step down, particularly Robert Mugabe. The election last summer showed the voice of the people is in support of the MDC. Even with vote tampering the Zanu-PF could not clearly win the election and it is time for them to accept that and stand aside. That is much easier said than done; I understand that. But perhaps if the international community applied some pressure it could be achieved. The coalition government will definitely be something to watch over the next few weeks and we will see how it plays out. They are in a dangerous place right now, and I fear there may be and imminent civil war or the horizon.
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