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Zimbabwean Activists Arrested, Facing Possible Torture

Amnesty International has voiced concerns that a group of Zimbabwean activists, mostly women, who were recently arrested during a peaceful protest march could be facing torture and harsh treatment in prison.

A statement released by Amnesty International reports that the group Women Of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), was arrested on May 28th following a march to the Zambian embassy to deliver a petition protesting the upsurge in violence following the March elections. Amnesty International also reports that the prisoners are not being given sufficient blankets and warm clothing during Zimbabwe’s winter.

The Zimbabwe Guardian reports that Zambia is currently chairing the Southern African Development Community, which is responsible for mediating the election results between the ruling Zanu PF party and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).

The arrests of WOZA members are part of a wider crackdown on dissent since the March elections by Mugabe’s government. AFP reports that MDC claims that well over 50 of its supporters have been killed by pro-Mugabe militias, while thousands have been moved so as to prevent them from voting.

Sources:

Amnesty International 6/3/08; Zimbabwe Guardian 6/4/08; IOL News 6/3/08; AFP 6/4/08

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