Zimbabwe spotlight 'is helping lawyers', says Moyo

ARREST: law society president boosted by international support

The international spotlight has been invaluable in the continuing plight of Zimbabwe's lawyers, the country's law society president said last week.

In an interview with the Gazette, Sternford Moyo also said he did not dispute the need for land reform in his country; however, he opposed it being done illegally.

There was an international outcry in June when Mr Moyo and the society's executive secretary, Wilbert Mapombere, were arrested on charges of possessing subversive documents.

Mr Moyo said he has yet to hear from the authorities as to whether the pair will face trial.

'I know I did nothing,' he said.

Mr Moyo said 'you cannot underestimate the importance' of international opinion.

It forced the government to reflect on its actions and also provided a morale boost.

'It gives you confidence that it is, perhaps, unlikely that the worst will happen,' he said.

He acknowledged that the government could have stopped him travelling to the conference had it wanted to.

Mr Moyo explained that the land reform programme 'can create justice'.

He said: 'It is not right that there be an inequitable system of land use and ownership.

It is a prerequisite for lasting peace in our country.

'What we attacked is the extra-legal methods of land redistribution which were against the constitution and our laws.

Nothing lasting can result from an unlawful act.'

Mr Moyo praised the work the IBA has done in Zimbabwe, first in a report on the situation - in which President Robert Mugabe gave certain assurances which the international community could hold him to - and then in providing continuing professional development for lawyers and technical assistance to the law society.

Neil Rose