On the go?

Get IOL's cool new iPad app...

'Zimbabwe cops intensify threats'

Comment on this story


IOL news mar9 zim police

AP

File photo.

Rights groups say police in Zimbabwe have increased threats against civic groups a week away from a referendum on a new constitution and crucial elections to end the nation's shaky coalition later this year.

An alliance of 15 human rights, pro-democracy and labor groups said Saturday police mounted “a sustained and escalating assault” on activists to discredit their organizations ahead of polling. The state Electoral Commission announced Friday that groups under police investigation or leaders facing any charges will not be allowed to observe the referendum vote next Saturday.

At least three main groups, including the independent Zimbabwe Election Support Network, are so far affected after police raids on their offices this year.

The alliance said most civic groups are facing “vague and generalized search warrants, arrests, persecution and prosecution.” -Sapa-AP


sign up
 
 

Comment Guidelines



  1. Please read our comment guidelines.
  2. Login and register, if you haven’ t already.
  3. Write your comment in the block below and click (Post As)
  4. Has a comment offended you? Hover your mouse over the comment and wait until a small triangle appears on the right-hand side. Click triangle () and select "Flag as inappropriate". Our moderators will take action if need be.

     

Join us on

IOL-Social networks IOL-Social networks IOL-Social networks IOL-Social networks

Business Directory