Zimbabwe: EI condemns the beating of opposition leaders
EI was shocked by the use of force at a church-led prayer rally in Harare last Sunday which resulted in one death and many casualties, including women and children.
Several people, including five senior members of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) were held in police custody. Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the MDC, was reportedly seriously injured as a result of beatings sustained in custody.
EI welcomed the swift decision of the Zimbabwean High Court to order that the opposition leader be provided immediately with all necessary medical treatment and brought before the Court or released from police custody.
EI urges the authorities to abstain from intimidation and repression of peaceful assemblies in future. EI also urges the Zimbabwean authorities to ensure an immediate, impartial and comprehensive investigation into these events.
EI extends its solidarity with its member organisations in Zimbabwe in these difficult times.
