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Take Action Now! Zimbabwean Prisoners of Conscience at risk
On 11 June 2008 the High Court of Zimbabwe, presided over by Justice Ben Hlatswayo, granted bail to 12 of the 14 Women/Men of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA & MOZA) arrested on 28 May 2008.
However two WOZA leaders, Jenni WILLIAMS and Magodonga MAHLANGU were denied bail. The State opposed granting of bail to Jenni and Magodonga arguing that the two were likely to commit similar offences as they had in the past committed and been charged with the same offence they were presently being charged with.
Jenni and Magodonga and 12 other activists, were arrested on 28 May as they marched to the Zambian Embassy. They were calling on the Chair of the Southern African Development Community to help bring an end to the violence that has been taking place in Zimbabwe since elections were held in March 2008. Some of the WOZA members were reportedly beaten by police during the arrest.
The women are detained at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison – female section. Reports indicate that conditions at the prison are deplorable and fall well below international standards. Sufficient blankets and warm clothing have not been provided to the WOZA detainees, which is of particular concern as it is currently winter in Zimbabwe.
Amnesty International considers Jenni and Magodonga prisoners of conscience imprisoned for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly. They are at risk of ill treatment and torture
However two WOZA leaders, Jenni WILLIAMS and Magodonga MAHLANGU were denied bail. The State opposed granting of bail to Jenni and Magodonga arguing that the two were likely to commit similar offences as they had in the past committed and been charged with the same offence they were presently being charged with.
Jenni and Magodonga and 12 other activists, were arrested on 28 May as they marched to the Zambian Embassy. They were calling on the Chair of the Southern African Development Community to help bring an end to the violence that has been taking place in Zimbabwe since elections were held in March 2008. Some of the WOZA members were reportedly beaten by police during the arrest.
The women are detained at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison – female section. Reports indicate that conditions at the prison are deplorable and fall well below international standards. Sufficient blankets and warm clothing have not been provided to the WOZA detainees, which is of particular concern as it is currently winter in Zimbabwe.
Amnesty International considers Jenni and Magodonga prisoners of conscience imprisoned for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly. They are at risk of ill treatment and torture
- Please write to the Office in charge of Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison – female section, Chikurubi Prison Complex, Private Bag 7392 Greendale, Harare, Zimbabwe urging her to:
- treat Prisoners of Conscience Jenni and Magodonga well and ensure that they have access to food, warm clothes and blankets.
- protect them from torture and other ill-treatment.
- Please send solidarity letters to Jenni and Magodonga , either care of the prison address above or Women of Zimbabwe Arise, PO Box FM701, Famona, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
- Expressing appreciation of their work campaigning for the respect and protection of human rights in Zimbabwe
- Also include a personal message of hope
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