Source: Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has deployed its lawyers throughout the country to offer emergency legal services to at least 163 people who were arrested on Wednesday 6 July 2016, during the countrywide stay-away, dubbed #ShutDownZimbabwe.
In Bulawayo, ZLHR is attending to approximately 86 people, who are currently detained at Mzilikazi police station. No charges have yet been laid, and lawyers are awaiting police processing of the individuals who were rounded up in the late evening. Lawyers are also attending to 8 men charged with public nuisance being held at Bulawayo Central police station, and another 5 men held at Luveve police station on charges of blocking the pavement.
In Harare, 13 men and 1 woman were arrested and spent the night at Mufakose police station, while 9 others were rounded up in Budiriro. ZLHR lawyers are currently attending at Harare Central police station, Law and Order section, where the detainees are being brought.
In Victoria Falls in Matabeleland province, ZLHR lawyers are attending to represent 16 people who were arrested and detained overnight for peacefully protesting in the resort town. It is currently unclear whether the charges are criminal nuisance, or obstructing traffic. It should be noted that these are all Zimbabweans and not tourists, as has been reported in some media. A further 9 individuals (taxi drivers) have also been detained and represented by ZLHR. They are yet to be charged.
ZLHR is also rendering legal services in Zvishavane, where 6 men were arrested and have been charged with allegedly carrying out an unlawful demonstration. They are likely to be taken to Gweru Central police station before appearing in court.
In Masvingo, ZLHR has deployed lawyers to assist 6 men who were arrested for disorderly conduct.
In Chipinge Manicaland province, 2 men were arrested on allegations of intimidation, while 2 men were arrested in Gutu on, as yet, unclear charges.
All the above cases arose yesterday in the wake of the nationwide stay-away.
In addition, ZLHR is continuing with its representation of 28 individuals (27 men and 1 woman) who were arrested and charged with public violence following demonstrations earlier in the week in Beitbridge, and 105 individuals (51 in Mabvuku, and 54 in Epworth). Many of these detainees have been assaulted and lawyers yesterday raised complaints against the police during bail applications. The cases continue this morning.
All in all, a total of almost 300 people have been arrested and detained since the demonstrations commenced in Beitbridge.
ZLHR will provide further updates as the day progresses.
Source: Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights