DOCSLIB.ORG

1 Acts of Intimidation Against Mr. Okay Machisa, Ms. Beatrice Mtetwa and Pastor Evan Magwarire Recent Incidents Include the Acts of Intimidation Against Mr

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
1 Acts of Intimidation Against Mr. Okay Machisa, Ms. Beatrice Mtetwa and Pastor Evan Magwarire Recent Incidents Include the Acts of Intimidation Against Mr NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations Promoting human rights by protecting those who defend them www.lrwc.org – [email protected] – Tel: +1 604 736 1175 – Fax: +1 604 736 1170 3220 West 13th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. CANADA V6K 2V5 The Honourable Emmerson Mnangagwa The Honourable Sibusiso Moyo President of The Republic of Zimbabwe Minister of Foreign Affairs Munhumutapa Building The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Corner Samora Machel Ave & Sam Nujoma St. PO Box 4240 Munhumutapa Building Harare, Zimbabwe Corner Samora Machel Ave & Sam Nujuma St. Email: [email protected] Harare, Zimbabwe Email: [email protected] The Honourable Cain Mathema Minister of Home Affairs The Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary 11th Floor, Mukwati Building Affairs Corner Fourth St. & Livingstone Ave. Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Harare, Zimbabwe Affairs Email: [email protected] P. Bag 7751, Causeway Harare, Zimbabwe Email: [email protected] Thursday, January 31, 2019 Dear President Mnangagwa and Ministers Mathema, Moyo and Ziyambi, RE: Acts of intimidation against Mr. OKAY MACHISA, Ms. BEATRICE MTETWA and Pastor EVAN MAGWARIRE Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada (LRWC), a committee of lawyers and other human rights defenders, that promotes compliance with international human rights, the integrity of legal systems and the rule of law through advocacy, legal research and education. LRWC has Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations LRWC objects to Zimbabwe’s failure to respect and protect its citizens’ rights as exemplified by the increasing number of citizens who have been arrested and are facing prosecution for participating in peaceful protests. Also of concern are the numbers of lawyers and human rights defenders who have been threatened, arbitrarily detained and arrested in apparent retaliation for exercising their constitutional rights. The right to freedom of assembly is a fundamental human right and is guaranteed in section 58 of Zimbabwe’s constitution. Furthermore, section 67 guarantees every citizen the right to political participation to engage in peaceful activities to influence, challenge or support the policies of the government. LRWC encourages you to respect these same rights as a signatory to the African Charter of Human and People's Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 1 Acts of Intimidation against Mr. Okay Machisa, Ms. Beatrice Mtetwa and Pastor Evan Magwarire Recent incidents include the acts of intimidation against Mr. Okay Machisa, National Executive Director of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) along with his family, and many other ZimRights lawyers. Also of concern is the recent arbitrary arrest and detention of Pastor Evan Magwarire on 16 January 2019, who is facing charges of “subverting a constitutional government” and is scheduled for a bail hearing on 29 January 2019. LRWC is also gravely concerned by the recently revealed attempted deportation of Beatrice Mtetwa, a prominent human rights lawyer, to her country of birth Swaziland during the 2013 harmonized election campaign, reports of rapes of women by Zimbawean security forces, the arrests and arbitrary detention of many Zimbabwe citizens and children as young as eleven years old, and the surveillance and intimidation of human rights defenders both within and outside Zimbabwe on their alleged involvement in the protest. LRWC asks the Zimbabwean government to cease and to condemn these human rights violations. Many of these citizens are believed to have been targeted for their role in a nation-wide popular protest movement. Regardless of their political opinions, the government has a duty to refrain and protect its citizens from such acts. This blatant intolerance of different political views is contrary to the Zimbabwe constitution and international legal obligations. LRWC demands that the Zimbabwe government immediately: drop all charges against lawyers, human rights defenders and citizens arrested for peacefully exercising their right to protest; Guarantee in all circumstances, the physical and psychological integrity of Mr. Okay Machisa, his family, all the members of ZimRights members and all human rights defenders in Zimbabwe, and ensure that they are able to carry out their activities without hindrance; Guarantee the release of Pastor Evan Magwarire and ensure his physical and psychological safety; Put an end to all acts of intimidation and harassment, including at the judicial level, against Mr. Okay Machisa, Pastor Evan Magwarire, ZimRights’ members and all human rights defenders in Zimbabwe, and ensure that they are able to carry out their activities without hindrance; Ensure that those who undertake to raise their concerns through a protest and peaceful assembly are not arbitrarily arrested, detained and/or prosecuted; Ensure the protection from abduction and torture of all peoples in Zimbabwe, and Ensure that those responsible for such heinous acts are promptly and thoroughly investigated and held accountable for their conduct; Conform to the provisions of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 9, 1998, especially Articles 1 and 12; and Ensure in all circumstances, the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the international human rights instruments ratified by Zimbabwe. LRWC will continue to monitor the situation in Zimbabwe to help ensure that the government respects the rights of all peoples in Zimbabwe, as provided for in its Constitution and its international legal obligations. Yours truly, Amy Reier, Zimbabwe Monitor for LRWC 2 Acts of Intimidation against Mr. Okay Machisa, Ms. Beatrice Mtetwa and Pastor Evan Magwarire Copied to: Ambassador Taonga Mushayavanhu Permanent Mission of Zimbabwe to the United Nations at Geneva Email: mission/[email protected] Embassy of Zimbabwe to Brussels Email: [email protected] Ambassador René Cremonese Embassy of Canada to Zimbabwe Email: [email protected] Embassy of Zimbabwe to Canada Email: [email protected] Mr. Diego Garcia-Sayan Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers Email: [email protected] Mr. Michel Forst Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders Email: [email protected] Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association Mr. Clement Nyaletsossi Voule Email: [email protected] 3 Acts of Intimidation against Mr. Okay Machisa, Ms. Beatrice Mtetwa and Pastor Evan Magwarire .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Appointment of Cabinet Ministers His Excellency the President, Comrade E
    Appointment of Cabinet Ministers His Excellency the President, Comrade E. D. Mnangagwa, has, in terms of Section 104 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, Amendment No. 20 of 2013, appointed Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers as follows: A. Cabinet Ministers 1. Finance and Economic Development Hon. Professor Mthuli Ncube 2. Defence and War Veterans Hon Oppah Zvipange Muchinguri-Kashiri 3. Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Hon. July G. Moyo 4. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Hon. Sibusiso B. Moyo 5. Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Hon. Sekesai Nzenza 6. Industry and Commerce Hon. Mangaliso Ndlovu 7. Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Hon. Cain Mathema 8. Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Hon. Professor Amon Murwira 9. Primary and Secondary Education Hon. Professor Paul Mavima 10. Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement Hon. Chief Air Marshal P. Shiri 11. Mines and Mining Development Hon. Winston Chitando 12. Energy and Power Development Hon. Joram M. Gumbo 13. Transport and Infrastructural Development Hon. Joel Biggie Matiza 14. Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Hon. Monica Mutsvangwa 15. Information Communication Technology and Courier Services Hon. Kazembe Kazembe 16. Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon. Prisca Mupfumira 17. Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Hon. Kirsty Coventry 18. Health and Child Care Hon. Dr Obediah Moyo 19. Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Hon. Ziyambi Ziyambi 20. Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Hon. Sithembiso G. G. Nyoni B. Ministers of State for the Provinces 1. Harare ….. 2. Bulawayo Hon. Judith Ncube 3. Mashonaland West Hon. Mary Mliswa 4.
    [Show full text]
  • Election Report Text
    ZIMBABWE ELECTION SUPPORT NETWORK PROMOTING DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS IN ZIMBABWE Report on the Harmonised 30 July 2018 Elections ZIMBABWE ELECTION SUPPORT NETWORK ZESN - Promoting Democratic Elections in Zimbabwe Report on the Harmonised 30 July 2018 Elections ZIMBABWE ELECTION SUPPORT NETWORK REPORT ON THE 30 JULY 2018 HARMONISED ELECTIONS ZESN ZESN - Promoting Democratic Elections in Zimbabwe Table of Contents 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 08 2 ABOUT ZESN 13 3 POLITICAL BACKGROUND 14 4 LEGAL FRAMEWORK 15 4.1 Universal and Regional Principles and Commitments 15 4.2 The Constitution 15 4.3 Electoral Act 15 4.4 Electoral System 16 4.5 Code of Conduct 16 4.6 Electoral Court Establishment 17 4.7 Presidential Petition 17 4.8 Legislative Developments 17 4.9 Some Legislative Gaps - Electoral Reform 17 4.10De-Duplication 18 4.11Voters Registration 19 4.12Election Timetable 19 4.13Delimitation 19 5 ELECTION ADMINISTRATION 20 5.1 Structure, Composition and Appointment 20 5.2 Appointment of new ZEC Chairperson 20 5.3 Structure of the Secretariat 20 5.4 Functions of the ZEC 20 5.5 Independence of ZEC 21 5.6 Observers in the 2018 Harmonized Elections 22 5.7 Observers' Accreditation 22 5.8 Postal Voting 23 6 VOTER REGISTRATION 24 6.1 Qualifications for Registration 24 6.2 The Right to Vote 24 6.3 Non- Compliance with Right to Vote 25 6.4 Compliance with the Right to Vote 25 6.5 Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) 25 6.6 Mop-Up Voter Registration Exercise 26 6.7 Inspection of the Voters' Roll 26 6.8 De-duplication Process 27 6.9 Voters' Roll 28 7 ANALYSIS OF THE FINAL
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Daily Media Monitoring Report Issue 1: 31 May 2018
    Daily Media Monitoring Report Issue 1: 31 May 2018 Table of Contents 1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 2 1.2 Key Events ................................................................................................................... 2 1.3 Media Monitored ........................................................................................................ 2 2.0 Did the media represent political parties in a fair and balanced manner? ............................................................................................................................... 3 2.1 Space and time dedicated to political parties in private and public media 3 2.2 Space and time dedicated to political actors in private and public media 4 2.3 Gender representation in election programmes ................................................... 5 2.4 Youth representation in election programmes ..................................................... 5 2.5 Time dedicated to political players in the different programme types in broadcast media ........................................................................................................................ 6 Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 7 The media have an ethical obligation to be impartial in their coverage of electoral 1 processes; this requires fairness and balance in their representation of the prevailing
    [Show full text]
  • Media Coverage 10 Days After Nomination Court June 14 - 24 2018
    MEDIA COVERAGE 10 DAYS AFTER NOMINATION COURT JUNE 14 - 24 2018 i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This report is produced by Media Monitors under the programme “Support to media on governance and electoral matters in Zimbabwe”. The programme conducted by International Media Support and the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe is funded by the European Union and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. International Media Support (IMS) is a nonprofit organisation working with the media in countries affected by armed conflict, human insecurity and political transition. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of Media Monitors and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the Norwegian Ministry of foreign Affairs ii TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS........................................................................................... ii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................... iv CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND ......................................... 1 1.1 Introduction...................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Context ............................................................................................................ 1 CHAPTER TWO: FAIRNESS AND BALANCE ......................................................... 2 2.1 Space and time allocated to political parties and candidates ........................... 2 2.2 Analysis of different media’s performance in representing
    [Show full text]
  • Constitutional Court Gears for Dramatic Poll Challenge
    Legalbrief | your legal news hub Tuesday 28 September 2021 Constitutional Court gears for dramatic poll challenge All eyes are on Zimbabwe's Constitutional Court which will this week decide the outcome of the violent and bitterly disputed 30 July presidential election. And the stakes are sky-high, reports Legalbrief. Just months after sidelining Robert Mugabe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa narrowly defeated opposition leader Nelson Chamisa's MDC which claims there were 'gross mathematical errors'. Nine Constitutional Court justices and five days are all that stand between the country's turbulent past and and uncertain future. Zanu-PF was today (Monday) due to file its heads of argument ahead of Wednesday's court sitting. After the hearing, the justices – led by Chief Justice Luke Malaba – will have until Friday to announce their decision. The Sunday Times reports that parliamentary and civic rights watchdog Veritas Zimbabwe said the court had several options. These include confirming the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) declaration on 3 August that Zanu-PF's Mnangagwa had won the election with 50.8% of the votes, declaring the MDC's Chamisa as the winner (even though the ZEC said he received just 44.3% of the votes) or invalidating the election. Southern African leaders have called for calm in Zimbabwe. A report on the News24 site notes that SADC in a statement at the close of its two-day summit in Namibia, urged Zimbabweans to ‘remain calm while the legal processes regarding the outcome of the elections are being considered by the courts and to respect the will of the people’.
    [Show full text]
  • Vernment Gazette
    ZIMBABWEAN GO VERNMENT GAZETTE Published by Authority Vol. XCI, No. 64 9th AUGUST,2013 Price US$2,00 General Notice 381 of 2013. General Notice 382 of 2013. MINES AND MINERALS ACT [CHAPTER 21:05] MINES AND MINERALS ACT(CHAPTER21:05] Reservation Notice No. 1563: Harare Mining District Reservation Notice No. 1562: Harare Mining District IT is hereby notified that, in terms of section 35 of the Mines ITis hereby notified that, in terms of section 35 of the Mines and Minerals Act [Chapter 21:05], the area described hereunderis and Minerals Act [Chapter 21:05], the area described hereunderis reserved against prospecting and peggingwitheffect from 6,00 a.m. reservedagainst prospecting and peggingwitheffect from 6.00a.m. on 14th June, 2013, on 21st March, 2013. Descriptionof area Descriptionofarea ANarea of approximately 925,800 hectares in extent, situated Anarea ofapproximately 574 100 hectares in extent, situated in in the Harare, Gweru and Kadoma miningdistricts, and bounded the Harare mining district, and bounded by line commencingat bya line commencing at a point approximately 41,0 kilometres apoint approximately 3,0 kilometres east of St. Martins Mission south-east of Karoi (grid reference: 36KRM185000mE, (grid reference: 36KVR499500mE, 36KVRS09250mN); thence 36KRM811970mN); thence proceeding on a true bearing of approximately 16° fora distance ofapproximately21,0 kilometres following a southerly direction along the Zimbabwe-Mozambiquein- toa point(grid reference: 36KRM190600mE,36KRM813970mN); ternational boundaryfora distance ofapproximately
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Daily Media Monitoring Report Issue 22: 29 June 2018
    Daily Media Monitoring Report Issue 22: 29 June 2018 Table of Contents 1.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 2 1.2 Key Events ....................................................................................................... 2 1.3 Media Monitored.................................................................................................. 2 Methodology ............................................................................................................. 3 2.0 Did the media represent political parties in a fair and balanced manner? ............ 3 2.1 Space and time dedicated to political parties in private and public media ........ 3 2.2 Space and time dedicated to political actors in private and public media ......... 5 2.3 Tone of coverage for political parties ............................................................... 6 2.4 Gender representation in election programmes ............................................... 6 2.5 Youth representation in election programmes .................................................. 8 2.6 Time dedicated to political players in the different programme types in broadcast media .................................................................................................... 7 3.0 Conclusion .......................................................................................................... 9 The media have an ethical obligation to be impartial in their coverage of electoral 1 processes; this requires
    [Show full text]
  • MEDIA COVERAGE of the CAMPAIGN PERIOD June 25 – July 5 2018
    MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD June 25 – July 5 2018 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This report is produced by Media Monitors under the programme “Support to media on governance and electoral matters in Zimbabwe”. The programme conducted by International Media Support and the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe is funded by the European Union and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. International Media Support (IMS) is a nonprofit organisation working with the media in countries affected by armed conflict, human insecurity and political transition. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of Media Monitors and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the Norwegian Ministry of foreign Affairs i Table of Contents ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS........................................................................................... I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................... III CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND ......................................... 1 1.1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 1 1.2 CONTEXT .......................................................................................................... 1 CHAPTER TWO: FAIRNESS AND BALANCE ......................................................... 2 2.1 SPACE AND TIME ALLOCATED TO POLITICAL PARTIES AND CANDIDATES .................. 2 2.2 ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT MEDIA’S PERFORMANCE IN REPRESENTING POLITICAL PLAYERS................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Bill Watch 60/2019 the New Ministerial Line-Up 15 November 2019
    Bill Watch 60/2019 The New Ministerial Line-Up 15 November 2019 BILL WATCH 60/2019 [15th November 2019] The New Ministerial Line-up On Friday 8th November the Office of the President and Cabinet announced changes made by President Mnangagwa to his Ministerial line-up with immediate effect. The following tables show the complete Ministerial line-up including the changes, in alphabetical order by name of Ministry. CABINET MINISTERS & THEIR DEPUTIES [pale shading indicates where there have been changes and an * indicates Minister from outside Parliament] Ministry Minister Deputy Minister Oppah Zvipange Defence and War Veterans Victor Matemadanda Muchinguri-Kashiri Energy and Power Fortune Chasi Magna Mudyiwa Development Environment, Climate Change, Tourism and Mangaliso Ndlovu 2 --- Hospitality Industry 1 Finance and Economic Prof Mthuli Ncube * Clemence Chiduwa3 Development Foreign Affairs and Sibusiso B. Moyo David Musabayana 3 International Trade Health and Child Care Obediah Moyo * John Mangwiro Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Amon Murwira * Raymore Machingura 3 Technology Home Affairs and Cultural Kazembe Kazembe 4 Michael Madiro Heritage Industry and Commerce Sekesai Nzenza 5 Rajeshakumar Modi Information Communication Technology and Courier Jenfan Muswere 6 Dingumuzi Phuti 3 Services Information, Publicity and Hon. Monica Hon. Energy Mutodi Broadcasting Services Mutsvangwa Justice, Legal and Hon. Ziyambi Ziyambi --- Parliamentary Affairs Lands, Agriculture, Water, Hon. Douglas Karoro Climate and Rural Perrance Shiri Hon.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Daily Media Monitoring Report Issue 3: 2 June 2018 Table of Contents
    Daily Media Monitoring Report Issue 3: 2 June 2018 Table of Contents 1.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 2 1.2 Key Events .......................................................................................................................... 2 1.3 Media Monitored ................................................................................................................. 2 Methodology ............................................................................................................................. 3 2.0 Did the media represent political parties in a fair and balanced manner? .......................... 3 2.1 Space and time dedicated to political parties in private and public media ...................... 3 2.2 Space and time dedicated to political actors in private and public media ....................... 4 2.3 Tone of coverage for political parties .............................................................................. 5 2.4 Gender representation in election programmes ............................................................. 7 2.5 Youth representation in election programmes ................................................................ 8 2.6 Time dedicated to political players in the different programme types in broadcast media .............................................................................................................................................. 9 3.0 Conclusion .........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Daily Report Issue 1.Docx
    Daily Media Monitoring Report Issue 1: 31 May 2018 Table of Contents 1.1 Introduction 2 1.2 Key Events 2 1.3 Media Monitored 2 2.0 Did the media represent political parties in a fair and balanced manner? 3 2.1 Space and time dedicated to political parties in private and public media 3 2.2 Space and time dedicated to political actors in private and public media 4 2.3 Gender representation in election programmes 5 2.4 Youth representation in election programmes 5 2.5 Time dedicated to political players in the different programme types in broadcast media 6 Conclusion 7 1 The media have an ethical obligation to be impartial in their coverage of electoral processes; this requires fairness and balance in their representation of the prevailing context. 1.1 Introduction This first media monitoring report on the 2018 elections highlights trends in the Zimbabwean media’s performance in their coverage of the elections. The study assessed: ▪ The level to which the media is fair and balanced in representing political players ▪ The media’s election agenda and what they consider the most important electoral issues ▪ The media’s professional conduct in reporting elections The report covers events reported by the media on the first day of the election period – 30 May 2018. 1.2 Key Events The report is written against the backdrop of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s proclamation of the date of polling set as 30 July 2018. The proclamation was done through Proclamation 2 of 2018 (SI 83 of 2018). The ​ th Electoral Amendment Bill was also gazetted into law on the 28 ​ of May 2018.
    [Show full text]
  • ZPP Monthly Monitor Views
    Food: fencing out holders of alternative ZPP Monthly Monitor views BACKGROUND & FORMATION The Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) was conceived shortly after 2000 by a group of Churches and NGOs working or interested in human rights and peace-building initiatives, and was to become a vehicle for civic interventions in a time of political crisis. In particular ZPP sought to monitor and document incidents of human rights violations and politically motivated breaches of the peace e.g. violence. Today, ZPP’s co-operating member organizations include, Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), Catholic Commission for Justice & Peace in Zimbabwe (CCJPZ), Evangelical fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ) Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN), Counselling Services Unit (CSU), Zimbabwe Civic Education Trust (ZIMCET), Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZIMRIGHTS), Civic Education Network Trust (CIVNET), Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) and Habakkuk Trust. VISION A Zimbabwe where there is Peace, Justice, Dignity and Development for all. MISSION To work for sustainable peace through monitoring, documentation, advocacy and community peace building interventions with our members and partners. Information Department Information Zimbabwe Department Peace Project 1 17/07/2015 Zimbabwe Peace Project 24/04/2012 METHODOLOGY This report is based on reports from ZPP long-term community based human rights monitors who observe, monitor and record cases of human rights violations in the constituencies they reside. ZPP deploys a total of 420 community-based primary peace monitors (two per each of the 210 electoral constituencies of Zimbabwe). These community-based monitors reside in the constituencies they monitor. They compile reports that are handed over to ZPP provincial coordinators who man the different ZPP offices in the ten administrative provinces of Zimbabwe.
    [Show full text]