Maravi

Zim in campaign of terror - ZADHR

Zim in campaign of terror - ZADHR
By Kingsley Kaswende in Harare
Tuesday May 13, 2008 [05:00]

ZIMBABWEAN doctors have said the number of victims of politically motivated violence and torture has reached 900 with 22 confirmed deaths since the March 29 elections. And MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai was yesterday expected in Harare to begin marathon campaigns for the run-off election after spending six weeks away from home on personal security concerns as well as trying to persuade the region to put pressure on President Robert Mugabe to step down.

The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) said there had been a dramatic increase in politically-linked violence after the last elections.

"This figure grossly underestimates the number of victims presented countrywide as the violence is now on such a scale that it is impossible to properly document all cases. There have been 22 confirmed deaths but at least double that number have been reported but are yet to be confirmed. It is alleged that some of those killed have been buried on the orders of state agents before documentation can take place," ZADHR stated.

The association stated that one hospital in Harare treated an average of 23 victims a day over the last week with all victims reporting that the perpetrators of violence were allegedly war veterans and ruling ZANU-PF supporters.

"ZADHR is concerned that many victims of current violence are not receiving treatment. Accounts have also been received of ambulances, sent to collect seriously injured victims, being turned away by war veterans," the doctors stated.

"Doctors and nursing staff at rural hospitals are working under conditions of severe stress and many health workers have reported intimidation with some having been specifically instructed by state agents not to treat opposition supporters."

The association stated that the current pattern of organised torture and violence being perpetrated by state agents in the rural areas of Zimbabwe was similar to that documented prior to the 2002 elections, except that it was this time more intensive and unrestrained.

"It is clear from the widespread and coordinated nature of the violence and the consistent pattern of injuries inflicted, that state agents including elements of the security forces are organising and directing this campaign of terror," the association alleged.

"It is now obvious that the intent of the campaign is to secure victory for President Robert Mugabe in a run-off election. As in the 2002 election, it may be anticipated that the violence will be halted just prior to the arrival of international election monitors, to create the illusion of a peaceful and fair election, although state agents will maintain an intimadatory presence throughout the rural areas."

The doctors called for the immediate withdrawal of all military personnel, both regular and irregular, to barracks and the arrest of war veterans and those posing as war veterans who are instigating violence.

They also called for the immediate, large-scale deployment of teams of SADC and other credible international observers to all districts where violence is being reported.

ZADHR said all run-off election activities must be postponed until these conditions have been achieved.

Meanwhile, Tsvangirai was scheduled to arrive in Harare to launch the campaigns for the run-off election.
Tsvangirai, who beat President Mugabe in the first round of the election, left Zimbabwe in the first week of April on security concerns.

But he had also been moving from country to country in the region attempting to persuade leaders to put pressure on Mugabe to relinquish his 28-year rule.

Labels: COLOUR REVOLUTIONS, ZADHR, ZIMBABWE

posted by MrK @ 11:07 AM