Govt slammed for repressing political dissent

The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum has taken a swipe at government’s intolerant stance on political dissent.

In a statement publicised during commemorations of the African Commission of Human and People’s Rights on Monday, the rights body called out the human rights situation in Zimbabwe as regrettable.

Government’s use of lawfare, violence and intimidation to silence political and other critics was also condemned.

Opposition’s Job Sikhala, who has languished in prison for a long time without trial and has been denied bail several times was cited as an example of the government’s persecution of political opponents.

“The government’s use of lawfare to suppress dissent is a grave travesty of justice,” the forum said.

“The recent wave of post-election violence and intimidation against opposition supporters is unprecedented and unacceptable.”

Post-election violence has reared its ugly head with abductions and torture of opposition members around the country.

The forum urged the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to hold to account and  pressure the Zimbabwean government to stop the persecution of dissenting voices.

“The African Commission has a responsibility to hold the Zimbabwean government accountable for its human rights record and to ensure that the people of Zimbabwe are able to enjoy their fundamental rights and freedoms.”