Maravi

(NEWZIMBABWE) UK fighting losing battle over Marange: Mpofu

UK fighting losing battle over Marange: Mpofu
08/08/2011 00:00:00
by dpa

MINES minister, Obert Mpofu has denied allegations made in a television news programme claiming the government was running torture camps near the rich Marange diamond fields.

The BBC's Panorama programme, which aired on Monday, featured interviews with witnesses who said they were tortured at the military-run camps. "We have no torture camps in Marange. This is just cheap propaganda from the BBC," Mpofu told the German Press Agency dpa.

The report came just as the European Union was considering dropping some bans on diamonds from Zimbabwe and said there was no proof of the alleged violations.

The sanctions were imposed following allegations of large-scale killings and abuse by Zimbabwe's security forces in the Marange diamond fields.

"The British government is fighting a losing battle. It wants our diamonds to be banned from the international market. But I know that the world will not be fooled," said Mpofu.

Panaroma cited one witness as saying prisoners received 40 whippings, up to three times a day. The man, who requested anonymity, was reportedly unable to his one of his arms as a result of the beatings.

Sexual violence against women and men was also reported, among other abuses.
Civilians were often sent to the camps, according to the report, after digging for diamonds without governmental permission.

Labels: 2011 ELECTIONS (ZIMBABWE), BBC, MARANGE DIAMOND FIELDS, OBERT MPOFU, PROPAGANDA

posted by MrK @ 6:01 PM