Maguwu is is head of the Mutare-based Centre for Research and Development (CRD), an organization that, as an official observer of the international diamonds watchdog Kimberly Process, has been central in investigating human rights violations against local people in Marange diamond fields.
Maguwu's lawyers told The Zimbabwean that on Saturday, he was stopped at the immigration check point leaving Harare to Dublin to attend a special training where human rights defenders from every corner of the world were scheduled to gather to share experiences, learn from one another, discuss relevant issues and engage with decision makers from governmental and inter-governmental bodies.
Maguwu was surrounded by 5 security men in plain clothes. They took him by force to an isolated room, prevented him from using his mobile, and took away both his mobile and laptop immediately.
The men, who are suspected to be members of the Central Intelligence Organisation, were observed to be taking instructions over the phone from a higher authority. During the interrogation, Maguwu was asked about his work and who planned his trip to Dublin.
In protest their unacceptable actions, Maguwu refused to answer any question unless the security individuals reveal their identity and the reason behind what they did. They responed that they have instructions not to answer any questions. One of them told Maguwu was on a special security list.
After the interrogation, they refused to surrender back his HP 625 laptop, power pack, wallet, Olympus digital camera, cash, business cards, bank cards, notebooks, laptop bag and all its contents. The State security agents also seized Maguwu’s boarding passes, his travel insurance, accommodation bookings and three notepads.
Maguwu’s check-in luggage which was pulled off the Kenyan Airways plane by the airline’s officials was also tampered with and Kenya Airways officials refused to explain what had happened to his luggage.
They did not allow him to continue his trip. Maguwu said he was aware he was under surveillance in the last few months.
Rights groups are outraged. "Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) is distressed by the persecution of prominent diamond rights researcher, Farai Maguwu, by some unidentified State security agents, who on Saturday 10 September 2011 harassed him at the airport, confiscated his property and prevented him from attending an international conference scheduled for Ireland," said Kumbirai Mafunda, spokesman of the ZLHR.
Post published in: Politics