Human rights activist Robson Chere has initiated legal proceedings against Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe and Elijah Chingosho, the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ), following his abduction and alleged torture by State security agents approximately three months ago. This shocking incident underscores the persistent human rights violations in Zimbabwe, particularly against those who oppose the government.
The abduction occurred on July 31, when Robson Chere, along with fellow activists Namatai Kwekweza, Samuel Gwenzi, and Vusumuzi Moyo, were forcibly removed from a flight heading to Victoria Falls at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport. Reports indicate that the activists were subjected to torture while in custody, highlighting the dangers faced by individuals advocating for democratic rights in Zimbabwe.
The activists were accused of participating in a protest in solidarity with 78 members of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), who had been arrested the previous month for unlawful gathering. This incident not only raises alarms about individual rights but also reflects a broader climate of repression against dissenting voices in the country.
In a notable legal development, three activists who were arrested before the 44th Ordinary Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit were granted bail by the High Court. Each was set a bail amount of US$150, with conditions requiring them to report to the police monthly, refrain from interfering with State witnesses, and maintain residence at specified addresses.
Robson Chere’s legal notice, delivered through the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, outlines his intention to sue Kazembe and Chingosho for damages related to unlawful arrest, detention, and assault. He described his ordeal in vivid detail, stating, “This letter serves as a notice of intention to sue you for damages for unlawful arrest, detention, unlawful assault or torture, pain and suffering, humiliation and affront to dignity, trauma and nervous shock arising from our client’s forced ejectment from an outward bound domestic flight at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and incommunicado detention.”
Robson Chere recounted a particularly harrowing experience during his interrogation, where he endured severe beatings that rendered him unconscious. This account is a stark reminder of the perilous environment faced by human rights defenders in Zimbabwe, where state power is often wielded to stifle dissent and suppress advocacy for democratic reforms.
This is not Robson Chere‘s first legal confrontation with government officials. In 2021, he joined forces with human rights lawyer Douglas Coltart and other pro-democracy activists to sue Kazembe, along with the Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga and the National Prosecuting Authority. They sought ZWL$12.5 million in damages, claiming wrongful and malicious arrest in connection with allegations of inciting civil disobedience.
Robson Chere’s recent actions signal a continued struggle against the systemic violations of human rights in Zimbabwe. The ongoing harassment and violence against activists serve to create a pervasive climate of fear, deterring many from engaging in advocacy work. Robson Chere’s determination to seek justice through the legal system illustrates the resilience of those fighting for human rights and the rule of law in the face of overwhelming odds.
As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, urging the Zimbabwean government to uphold human rights and the rule of law. Activists like Robson Chere play a critical role in this ongoing struggle, shining a light on abuses and demanding accountability from those in power. Their courage and commitment to justice are vital to the future of democracy in Zimbabwe, where the fight for human rights remains an uphill battle.
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