Zimbabwe 'intimidation' spreads

Fabrication of charges against opponents of the Zimbabwe government such as the president of the country's law society are becoming more widespread, and lawyers who try to educate people about their rights face threats and intimidation, according to the director of Zimbabwe's Legal Resources Foundation.

Director Albert Musarurwa, speaking to the Gazette last week, said the recent arrests of the Zimbabwean Law Society president Sternford Moyo and executive secretary Wilbert Mapombere (see [2002] Gazette, 13 June, 6) were an example of President Robert Mugabe's new approach to suppressing opposition to the country's ruling party, Zanu PF.

'The incriminating letters allegedly found in both men's houses are fakes, planted by the government to discredit and humiliate them,' said Mr Musarurwa.

'I have no doubt that when the case comes to trial in August the fabricated charges will disappear, only for the same thing to happen six months later.'

According to Mr Musarurwa, the government is trying to control and discredit independent lawyers.

The foundation, which runs 20 legal education clinics offering free advice and education around the country, has seen its activities severely curtailed in recent months.

Six legal aid clinics have been closed owing to intimidation and attacks by government-supported militia.

'The government is battling to survive using the ignorance of the people,' he said.

'Mugabe wants to keep the people brainwashed and misinformed, so anyone who tries to educate them about the law and their rights is considered to be subversive.'

The foundation's workshops, which are held in rural areas, have been severely curtailed, as government officials insist on sitting in on classes and noting the names of people who ask questions or share experiences.

Mr Musarurwa, who was a litigation partner in a Harare law firm until his appointment to the foundation earlier this year, maintained that the foundation operates independently of political parties, funding itself through its income-generating publications department.

'The government has gone too far and alienated its core supporters,' he said.

'In time, the tide will turn.'

Victoria MacCallum