After 39 days of detention, human rights defender Farai Maguwu was finally released on bail on 12 July 2010. The High Court granted bail on conditions of the payment of $1,500 bail deposit, daily reporting to Mutare Central police station, that he resides in his home in Mutare and that he does not travel more than 40 km from Mutare, except for court hearing in Harare.

Bail had been denied three times on 10 and 21 June and 2 July on the basis of the Public Prosecutor's argument that more time was needed for the investigation. It is believed that police were deliberately refusing to conclude their investigations in order to prevent the court from granting bail to Farai Maguwu.

Since his arrest, Farai Maguwu's detention has been characterised by accusations of ill-treatment including threats and delays in providing medical assistance, and worrying procedural irregularities including his removal from remand for interrogation over the weekend of 12-13 June.

Farai Maguwu was originally arrested on 3 June 2010 in Mutare, Zimbabwe, and has been charged with publishing falsehoods against the State with the intention to cause prejudice to the security or economic interests of the country: a charge which, should he be found guilty, could lead to up to 20-years imprisonment.

Farai Maguwu's arrest came following a meeting, on 25 May 2010, with Kimberley Process monitor Mr Abbey Chikane in which he discussed evidence of alleged military abuses in the diamond-rich Marange region in Mutare West. Mr Chikane in turn informed the Zimbabwean authorities about the evidence, reportedly for fear of being arrested himself.

See previous Front Line updates of 5 July, 22 June and 18 June.