Mr Patrick Chinamasa

Minister of Justice

Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs

Post Bag 7751

Causeway

Harare

Zimbabwe

13 March 2007

Dear Minister,

Call for a public inquiry into police activities in Zimbabwe

We are writing on behalf of the Human Rights Institute (HRI) of the International Bar Association (IBA) in connection with the recent police crackdown on a public gathering in Highfield on Sunday 11 March 2007 and the ensuing death of one person and the arrest and alleged violent treatment of numerous others.

In its role as a dual membership organisation, comprising 30,000 individual lawyers and over 195 Bar Associations and Law Societies, the IBA influences the development of international law reform and shapes the future of the legal profession. Its Member Organisations cover all continents. The HRI works across the association, helping to promote, protect and enforce human rights under a just rule of law, and to preserve the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession worldwide.

We have seen widespread reports that the Zimbabwe police have conducted a number of serious breaches of human rights.  Police reportedly opened fire on protesters in Highfield, which resulted in the death of Mr Gift Tandare and injured many others.  We also understand that Mr Morgan Tsvangirai and other leaders were arrested, and are extremely concerned about claims that they have been beaten by police and refused medical treatment while in detention.  We are further disturbed to hear that the detainees’ lawyers were prevented from contacting their clients and that a court order demanding such access was not respected by the police. 

As you are aware, these actions breach the law of Zimbabwe and fundamental international human rights law.  We urge you to take steps to hold those individuals responsible for ordering and carrying out any of these actions accountable. 

We call on the Government of Zimbabwe to release the detainees immediately.  We further call on the Government of Zimbabwe to conduct a public enquiry and to hold any and all persons responsible for any criminal offences committed.  The enquiry should investigate:

(1)     The events on 11 March 2007 in Highfield, including the use of live ammunition against members of the public resulting in the death of Gift Tandare; and

(2)     The arrest of Morgan Tsvangirai and other leaders and the allegations of police brutality, refusal to bring the detainees before the courts, refusal to comply with court orders, refusal to allow contact with lawyers, and refusal to allow access to medical treatment.

We should be grateful to receive your assurances that our concerns will be investigated as a matter of urgency.