Take action to protect women human rights defenders in Zimbabwe

Front Line is concerned about ongoing attacks and harassment of members of WOZA (Women of Zimbabwe Arise) and is calling for immediate action on their behalf.

Front Line is particularly concerned about escalating levels of ill-treatment and violence. All seven members of WOZA were arrested while conducting a peaceful demonstration on 6 June in Bulawayo. Five of them were released from detention on 8 June and were charged under Section 46 (2v) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act which reads “employs any means whatsoever which are likely materially to interfere with the ordinary comfort, convenience, peace or quiet of the public or any section of the public, or does any act which is likely to create a nuisance or obstruction.” . On 9 June the remaining members of WOZA in detention, Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu were released on bail. They were charged under Section 46 (2v)and under Section 37 (1a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act which reads “any persons who act together with one or more other persons present with him or her in any place or at any meeting with the intention or realizing that there is a real risk or possibility of forcibly disturbing the peace, security or order of the public or any section of the public.”

On 11 June 1007, over a hundred members of WOZA attempting to conduct a peaceful demonstration were arrested in Filabusi and were released later that day without charges. WOZA members have increasingly been subject to ill-treatment while in police custody. Since 2003, there have been over ten separate cases where WOZA members have been severely beaten while in police custody after exercising their right to peaceful protest. They have been repeatedly denied access to food, lawyers and medical care. Often mothers are detained with babies for prolonged periods.