18 human rights and political activists back in prison in Zimbabwe

In Harare a judge revoked the bail of 18 Zimbabwean human rights and political activists two months after they had been conditionally released. Among these activists is Jestina Mukoko, Director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project. The activists are accused of trying to topple the Mugabe regime. The activists will now have to re-apply for bail.

The case first came under international attention when many of these activists were arrested and subsequently disappeared in December 2008. It was only in January that all were located as they were brought before the Harare Court. They all have credible claims of torture and the trumped up charges of terrorism and banditry suggest political motives behind the arrests.

Aim for human rights is extremely worried that the combination of the above-mentioned factors heightens the risk of further torture and possible disappearance of these activists. Therefore Aim for human rights calls for the immediate and unconditional release or the prompt and fair trial of all activists.

For more news see:

• http://www.amnesty.org/en/for-media/press-releases/zimbabwe-human-rights-and-political-activists-back-detention-20090505
• http://www.zimeye.org/?p=4454

See our thematical pages more information on enforced disappearances