"The trial of these human rights activists has all the hallmarks of a
political trial," said Veronique Aubert, deputy director of the London-based
rights organisation’s Africa programme.
"The charges appear to be similar to the charges used during the 2002
treason trial of Morgan Tsvangirai, now prime minister."
Amnesty said it considered the 18 to be "potential prisoners of conscience",
and called for their immediate and unconditional release, or for them to
receive a prompt and fair trial.
"The detention of these activists casts a dark shadow over the inclusive
government and calls into question its commitment to ending a culture of
human rights violations used by the previous government against perceived
opponents," Hubert added.
Prominent rights campaigner Jestina Mukoko and 17 others were taken back
into custody on Tuesday, just two months after their release on bail over an
alleged plot to overthrow President Robert Mugabe.
Amnesty urged the immediate release of Mukoko, saying she was being held
"solely for her legitimate rights work" as head of the Zimbabwe Peace
Project.
Agence France Presse (AFP)
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