MDC sets record straight on why it is not participating in the Motlanthe Commission of inquiry

8) Section 59 Rights and the MDC’s commitment to peace

After all is said and done, it must not be forgotten that the people of Zimbabwe have rights enshrined under the constitution. Section 59 of the Constitution clearly states that “every person has the right to demonstrate and to present petitions …”

The MDC is committed to holding authorities accountable to the dictates of our Constitution and the law. In view of this, we are committed to exercising our democratic right to demonstrate in a peaceful manner as required by the constitution.

We are the agents of peace, we have always shown. We will continue to pursue our peaceful and democratic means to end the oppression and suffering of our people, regardless of the lies and mechanisations of this Commission of Inquiry.

9) Commission of Inquiry Testimonies

We have followed the testimonies presented at the Commission of Inquiry. Although the Party maintains its reservations about the legitimacy of this Commission of Inquiry, we have certainly been moved by witnessing the most untouchable State officials appearing before the Commission despite earlier signs of resistance.

One thing we must all learn going forward is that no one is above the law.

However, the wanton and shameless lies by full grown and respectable men and women we have witnessed shows that Zimbabwe has a serious dearth of leadership.

– The bare denials by the army Generals that soldiers did not shoot civilians is shocking.

– The lie that civilians had already died before the military arrived is sad.

– The fabrication that the MDC youths are armed is absolute nonsense.

– The narrative that the kneeling soldier who was slapped by his superior was shooting into the sky at 45 degrees is quite embarrassing.

– The further narrative that he was being slapped to shoot from a standing position assumes that Zimbabweans are stupid.

– The estimation that there were about 25 000 demonstrators betrays logic.

– The narrative that demonstrators shot civilians with rifles is nonsensical.

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