WASHINGTON - May 5 - Today Africa Action unequivocally condemns the re-arrest of human rights defender Jestina Mukoko and 17 other Zimbabwean civil society activists; just two months after they were released on bail.  Jestina Mukoko, a valiant human rights defender is still recovering from torture and abuse at the hand of the Zimbabwe republic police when she was arrested last year.

Last year Mukoko was abducted at 3:00am, and went missing for nearly two months. The police denied holding her or having any knowledge as to her whereabouts. She eventually resurfaced as a result of the collective ground swelling efforts- international and local- to pressure on the Government of Zimbabwe. 

Gerald LeMelle, Executive Director of Africa Action said this morning “We are utterly outraged by these cases of gross human rights violations. People of good conscience all over the world must condemn such appalling acts of human rights abuses.”  LeMelle adds, “It is unfortunate that such acts continue under the new inclusive government of Zimbabwe one of whose benchmarks is supposed to be respect for human rights”

As Zimbabwe Peace Project's Director, Mukoko worked hard to advance the cause of human rights and democracy in Zimbabwe. She spoke for many who were voiceless.

“We note with great alarm that the fabricated charges against her are still in place. We believe that these charges should be dropped immediately and Jestina must be allowed to go back to her life of civic activism without threats or interference from the Government of Zimbabwe,” said Michael Stulman, Associate Director of Policy and Communication.

Africa Action holds great concern that the Government of Zimbabwe continues to hold other political prisoners. LeMelle adds “If the new inclusive government of Zimbabwe is serious, and wants to be taken seriously by the world, its human rights, governance and democratic record must improve and that includes immediate release of all political prisoners.”

All political detainees in Zimbabwe have told stories of torture and other forms of abuse at the hands of state agents.  In March 2008, Africa Action sent a joint delegation to witness Zimbabwe's historic elections. The executive summary compiles the most critical analysis and policy recommendations from the delegation's Special Report Zimbabwe: The Dream Deferred, jointly published with TransAfrica Forum (Full report available here). 

Africa Action calls for those responsible for torture and abuse to be held accountable for their actions. The culture of impunity by Zimbabwe's police and other security agents must stop immediately if the inclusive government is to be taken seriously.