Categories: Stories

What the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission said about public protests and the police

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission chasticised both the public and the police on their conduct in the recent demonstrations that rocked the country.

It said that while the constitution guaranteed every person the right to demonstrate and to present petitions, these rights must be exercised peacefully and the demonstrators should not seek to harm anyone or destroy or loot property.

Police, on the other hand, had a duty to protect and secure the lives and property of the people, uphold the Constitution of Zimbabwe, and enforce the law without fear or favour.

It said security concerns should not be used as an excuse to harass demonstrators or non-demonstrators, which undermines the fundamental principles granted by the constitution and international law.

Below is the press statement in full:

PRESS STATEMENT ON PUBLIC PROTESTS AND POLICE CONDUCT

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) is cognisant of the demonstrations, protests and ongoing unrest in the country. As a country, Zimbabwe is founded on the principles of the supremacy of the Constitution, fundamental human rights and freedoms, and recognition of the inherent dignity and worth of each human being. The Constitution guarantees under section 59 that every person has the right to demonstrate and to present petitions, but these rights must be exercised peacefully, and the demonstrators should not seek to harm anyone or destroy or loot property.

In terms of section 219 of the Constitution, the Police have a duty to protect and secure the lives and property of the people, uphold the Constitution of Zimbabwe, and enforce the law without fear or favour. It is noted with regret that the police did violate the fundamental rights of the people as evidenced by the facts gathered on the ground. Security concerns should not be used as an excuse to harass demonstrators or non-demonstrators, which undermines the fundamental principles granted by our Constitution and international law. Citizens should enjoy police protection and not brutality. Police have a duty to facilitate the conduct of undisturbed peaceful demonstrations and petitions. The ZHRC is, therefore, extremely concerned about the recent violent conduct of the ZRP.

Continued next page

(201 VIEWS)

This post was last modified on %s = human-readable time difference 1:12 pm

Page: 1 2

Charles Rukuni

The Insider is a political and business bulletin about Zimbabwe, edited by Charles Rukuni. Founded in 1990, it was a printed 12-page subscription only newsletter until 2003 when Zimbabwe's hyper-inflation made it impossible to continue printing.

Recent Posts

Zimbabwe among the top countries with the widest gap between the rich and poor

Zimbabwe is among the top 30 countries in the world with the widest gap between…

November 14, 2024

Can the ZiG sustain its rally against the US dollar?

Zimbabwe’s battered currency, the Zimbabwe Gold, which was under attack until the central bank devalued…

November 10, 2024

Will Mnangagwa go against the trend in the region?

Plans by the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front to push President Emmerson Mnangagwa to…

October 22, 2024

The Zimbabwe government and not saboteurs sabotaging ZiG

The Zimbabwe government’s insatiable demand for money to satisfy its own needs, which has exceeded…

October 20, 2024

The Zimbabwe Gold will regain its value if the government does this…

Economist Eddie Cross says the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) will regain its value if the government…

October 16, 2024

Is Harare the least democratic province in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, which is a metropolitan province, is the least democratic province in the…

October 11, 2024