"The judge (Alphius Chitakunye) made the incredible order that if she
should be taken to hospital it would be for purposes of examination
otherwise she would be treated in prison," Beatrice Mtetwa, the lawyer
for rights campaigner Jestina Mukoko, told reporters.
Chitakunye’s order was contrary to an earlier order by a fellow high
court judge on 24 December that Mukoko and eight rights and opposition
activists be released to hospital.
"The law has completely broken down in Zimbabwe," said Mtetwa after the
ruling on Friday. "(Even) if we go to another court we may well get a
similar ruling."
Mtetwa said private doctors examined Mukoko last week and said she
should be "immediately" admitted to an adequately-equipped hospital
after it was concluded that she was tortured while in the custody of
security forces.