Assembly
having her house burnt down in Glen View 3.
Freedom of
Association
18 August
Freedom to
Demonstrate
and Petition
Freedom of
Expression
National Vendors Union of Zimbabwe (Navuz) chairperson, Sten Zvorwadza, was brutally attacked by police
officers while him and Patson Dzamara were demonstrating against police brutality meted on vendors and other
human rights activists. Zvorwadza had approached Harare Central Police Station holding flowers when he was
beaten and left unconscious. The flowers were a symbol of peace and love towards the police.
24 August
Freedom of
Expression
MDC-T youths that were demonstrating in the city centre were attacked by the police. The youths were
demanding that President Mugabe step down accusing him of using dictatorial tendencies. They also
complained of violence meted out by police on protestors. The police attacked the protestors, fired teargas and
water cannons. Property including motor vehicles were burnt while shops were looted and the police fired
teargas indiscriminately and also targeted a commuter omnibus. 42 men and 17 women were arrested while
protesting. They were released the following day.
24 August
Security of
person
While covering a protest march a journalist Lucy Yasini was attacked by the police and thus her right to go
about her duties as a journalist were violated. This action by the police posed a serious threat to her security
while on duty. By threatening the security of a journalist while on duty the police contributed to violating citizens’
access to information.
Freedom of the
media
Access to
information
25 August
Freedom of
Expression
Police arrested Bishop Ancelimo Magaya of Divine Destiny Network and several other people after they
attempted to stage a peaceful demonstration to express their concern over the deteriorating economic situation
in Zimbabwe. They were later released on the same day with no charges laid against them.
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