In a statement issued by the party’s department of information, the MDC said the partisan and unprofessional conduct being displayed by the police and army is totally unacceptable.
“We note with displeasure the incessant attacks on non-governmental organisations and the voices of dissent. The confiscation of radios, continued police raids and arrests of pro-democracy activists at Zimbabwe Human Rights Association , the National Youth Development Trust (NYDT) and of late at the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) and Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) points to a serious indictment which we foresee as elections draw closer.
“The resurgence and perpetuation of a culture of impunity that has permeated the Zimbabwe body politic lately is totally unacceptable and should be stopped forthwith if this nation is to move forward,” said MDC-T in a statement.
The events are unwinding against President Robert Mugabe’s calls for peace and need for violence free elections.
MDC said Mugabe’s calls for peace would sound hollow for as long as the current behaviour of state security institutions and some of his stalwarts continued.
“The clear selective of application of the law and continued raids by police is ridiculous and puts paid to our call for the security sector realignment before holding of the next elections. It is in light of these disturbing developments that the MDC reiterates its call for reforms at all institutions that have direct bearing on the holding of free, fair and peaceful elections.”
MDC-T said, for Zimbabwe to hold credible elections, the country should adopt and implement an agreed new constitution and carry out necessary legislative reforms.
The party would also want to see a repeal of all laws that restrict the freedom of movement and association, in addition to reformation of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and the provision of voter education.
This according, to the MDC would help to ensure state sponsored violence and intimidation are eradicated.
Meanwhile Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition has described the current crackdown by state security agents on CSOs and confiscation of radios as a direct and illegal violation of human rights.
“It would appear the police are infringing on the rights of citizens without clarifying the legal basis of such restrictions and confiscations. In view of citizens’ right to access information especially ahead of crucial constitutional referendum and harmonised elections,” said Crisis in a statement on Friday.
Crisis challenged the police to clarify how it is illegal to own a radio ‘as this is important in proving that the police are not themselves acting outside the law.’
Post published in: News