Being led away … Patson Dzamara
Patson staged a one-man demo as Mugabe was delivering his speech to thousands who had gathered for the independence celebrations at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.
The event was also being beamed live on ZTV.
Eyewitnesses said Patson wrapped himself in a Zimbabwean flag and waited until Mugabe had started delivering his speech. He then quietly rose to his feet and produced his placard, catching security details unaware.
“The brave Patson raised his placard right in front of Mugabe when he was standing on the athletics track. Security details took him outside the ground where he was handcuffed and severely assaulted,†said a witness.
Patson was then taken to Harare Central Police station where he was later released without charge.
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) communications officer, Kumbirai Mafunda, told NewZimbabwe.com that his organisation reacted swiftly to Patson’s arrest.
“Human rights lawyer Gift Mtisi managed to secure his release without a charge. Patson had to be taken to a local hospital because of the injuries he sustained from the beating by some security agents while at the stadium.â€
“He is now admitted as we speak.â€
Itai was abducted 13 months ago by suspected state agents as he was having a haircut in the high density suburb of Glen View and has never been seen since.
Ahead of his abduction, Itai had staged a series of one man demonstrations in Central Harare calling on “failed Mugabe†to resign. At one time he was severely assaulted by the police.
Since the abduction, Patson and Itai’s wife have staged a number of peaceful demonstrations at the African Unity Square which is where the missing scribe held his protests.
Post published in: Featured