ACTIVISTS ARRESTED AT AIRPORT IN ZIMBABWE RELEASED ON BAIL BUT STILL UNDER STRICT CONDITIONS

In Zimbabwe, the High Court has allowed bail for three pro-democracy activists. These activists, Namatai Kwekweza, Robson Chere, and Samuel Gwenzi, were arrested on 31 July 2024. They were taken into custody along with Vusumuzi Moyo, an artist and sound engineer. The arrests took place at Robert Mugabe International Airport in Harare as they were about to board a flight to Victoria Falls. They were going to attend the African Philanthropy Conference.

The police forcibly took them off the plane before it could take off. The police said they arrested the group because they were planning to cause public disorder. This kind of charge comes from old colonial laws that are still being used in Zimbabwe today. The arrests happened just before a major meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which was held in Harare. This made people think that the arrests were part of a plan to stop activists from protesting during the summit.

The arrest of these activists is part of a bigger crackdown on civil society. Civil society groups in Zimbabwe, which include organizations that push for human rights and democracy, have been facing many challenges. The government often tries to stop opposition political activists from gathering or speaking up, especially when important events like the SADC summit are taking place. This kind of crackdown shows how difficult it is for people in Zimbabwe who want democracy and change. Many of them face arrests, harassment, and other problems from the government.

Robson Chere, one of the activists, had a very hard time while he was in police custody. Reports say that Chere was badly tortured by the police. His injuries were so serious that they were life-threatening. Even though his condition was very bad, Chere did not receive medical attention. This has raised concerns among human rights groups, who say that the Zimbabwean police often use torture and deny people their basic rights. Chere’s case is just one example of the tough challenges that activists face in Zimbabwe.

After several days of being held by the police, Kwekweza, Chere, and Gwenzi were taken to court. They were represented by the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), a group that helps people who are being treated unfairly by the government. The ZLHR has been very active in Zimbabwe, defending many activists, journalists, and other people who have been treated badly by the state.

The High Court listened to their case and agreed to let the activists out on bail. This means they do not have to stay in prison while waiting for their trial. However, the court gave them strict bail conditions that they must follow, or they risk being arrested again.

The bail conditions include the following:

• They must pay US$150 or the same amount in Zimbabwean currency.
• They have to report to the police station on the last Friday of every month.
• They must not interfere with any state witnesses.
• They have to live at specific addresses and must not change their residence without telling the authorities.

These conditions are very strict, which shows that the government is still keeping a close watch on them. Even though they are out of prison, they are not fully free. The government probably wants to make sure they cannot continue with their activism easily while they are out on bail.

The release of Kwekweza, Chere, and Gwenzi on bail has been seen as a small victory for human rights in Zimbabwe. However, many people are still concerned about the situation in the country. The use of old colonial laws to stop opposition and civil society activists shows that Zimbabwe still has a long way to go before it has true freedom.

As the trial for these activists goes on, many people are watching closely. There is hope that justice will be done, but there is also fear that the government will keep trying to stop any opposition to its rule. The struggle for democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe is still going on, with activists like Kwekweza, Chere, and Gwenzi leading this tough fight.