As part of the inclusive government, the MDC dissociates itself from claims by the State that the six human rights defenders wanted to topple the government of Zimbabwe through watching video clips.
We totally condemn the persecution through prosecution of the six in the first place and their conviction today at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts is another assault on democracy and human rights.
All the six are innocent victims of a barbaric and senseless Zanu PF dictatorship.
Gwisai, a former MP for Highfield, is the general coordinator of International Socialist Organisation (ISO). The others who were found guilty today are; Antoinette Choto, Tatenda Mombeyarara, Edson Chakuma, Hopewell Gumbo and Welcome Zimuto.
The convictions are a clear sign that Zanu PF is desperate and is using the State in denying the people of Zimbabwe their democratically and constitutional rights of freedom of movement and gathering.
It is beyond belief for the State to assume that people can topple a government by simply viewing old video footage of events from Tunisia and Egypt.
We find it strange and barbaric that they are convicted for watching video material that is already in the public domain and can be accessed by anyone from anywhere in the world.
The MDC is concerned by the increase in the continued abuse of State machinery by Zanu PF to suppress the people’s views for narrow political gains.
The MDC urges the people of Zimbabwe to remain unwavering and not to be cowed into submission by partisan State machinery that wants to drag Zimbabwe into a failed State. We urge the people to remain united in their fight for democracy and real change.
Post published in: News