News outlets are now reporting that police in Zimbabwe have detained opposition presidential candidate Morgan Tsvangirai (CHAHN-gear-EYE) for allegedly planning to attend an "illegal meeting" (i.e. a campaign stop).
This comes on the heels of a large-scale campaign to harass and intimidate opposition leaders and activists in advance of the run-off election next month. Voice of America reports that
The prominent Zimbabwean opposition figure Arthur Mutambara, arrested on Sunday in connection with an article he published in April criticizing President Robert Mugabe, was arraigned before a magistrate on Tuesday and freed on bail.
Meanwhile, sources said Zimbabwe’s jails are filling up with political prisoners who are being held in deplorable conditions.
One now in custody is opposition member of parliament for Buhera West constituency of Manicaland province, Eric Matinenga, arrested on Saturday on charges he incited political violence.
His lawyer, Tinoziva Bere, said the police refused to let Matinenga be arraigned on Tuesday as was expected. He said Matinenga denies the allegations.
Contact the Zimbabwean Embassy in Washington:
Ambassador His Excellency Dr. Machivenyika Mapuranga
Embassy of Zimbabwe
1608 New Hampshire Ave
Washington, , DC 20009
Phone: 202-332-7100
Fax: 202-483-9326
E-Mail: info@zimbabwe-embassy.us
Be polite and courteous, but make it clear that we expect Mugabe to allow opposition leaders to campaign and to prevent political violence. Zimbabweans deserve a chance at a free and fair election.
My email to the Ambassador:
Ambassador Mapuranga:
I am writing to insist that opposition presidential candidate Morgan Tsvangirai be immediately released by police, and that the clear pattern of political violence and imprisonment being employed by your government against the opposition cease at once.
The people of Zimbabwe deserve a free and fair election, which is being made impossible by the conduct of your government. The tactics employed by President Mugabe's forces have been deeply regrettable, and the systematic harassment and imprisonment of opposition leaders is simply unacceptable.
Such conduct undermines the legitimacy of President Mugabe's government and demonstrates his distrust of his own people.
Mr. Tsvangirai must be released immediately and permitted to continue his campaign unobstructed by government forces.
Please take a minute to call or write the Zimbabwean embassy: the more eyes they know are upon them, the less likely they are to continue to employ these repressive tactics.