WOZA demo rocks Harare

Crisis Coalition officials, Gladys Hlatshwayo, Maria
Matshe and a WOZA activist were arrested and
taken to Harare Central Police Station after riot
police had been summoned to disperse about 500
demonstrators.
Distributing fliers demanding freedom, free and fair
elections as well as an end to state-sponsored
violence, the demonstrators were barred by police just
before arriving at parliament building where they
intended to submit a petition to the Speaker,
outlining values vital to the establishment of a
better Zimbabwe.
“Zimbabweans are living in a state of fear and
uncertainty. They suffer discrimination in all its
forms and are unable to earn a living,” the petition
stated. “People have been unsuccessful at holding
their government accountable due to a raft of
repressive laws and shrinking freedom of
expression/media space.”
The petition further referred to the people’s charter
that provides tenets for a new and better Zimbabwe.
“All Zimbabwean shall be equal, regardless of gender,
physical ability, colour, national origin or tribe.
Women’s and children’s rights shall be promoted and
protected. People shall be informed of and encouraged
to participate fully in all aspects of how the country
is managed and run, fully exercising their rights as
citizens. All leaders shall be responsible, care for
the people they serve and take their issues and
problems to heart, taking action to develop their
communities.