Observe demo laws, Rights watchdog tells MDC

Harare, (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC)on Tuesday told the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Alliance to observe public security laws pertaining to holding of demonstrations to ensure order and safety of citizens and property.

This follows an illegal demonstration held by the MDC-Alliance last week in Harare in which three members of the party were allegedly abducted by unknown assailants, and later dumped in Bindura.

Although police have yet to conclude investigations into the matter, the party and its western donor nations, have already pointed the finger at security agencies.

But the ZHRC said it was important for the MDC-Alliance to observe public security laws pertaining to holding of demonstrations, and educate its membership to do so, more so now when the country – like the rest of the world- was observing a national Covid-19 lockdown.

“Party officials and members should abide by lawful regulations put in place even though they may have a genuine cause to put forward to relevant authorities. Where they feel their constitutional rights have been infringed,they must adopt lawful means of addressing their grievances such as litigation,” the ZHRC said.

“There is need for the MDC-A structures, within the Provinces, to ensure they are appraised on the laws surrounding public demonstrations particularly in this State of Emergency that has been brought about by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The opposition has a penchant for violent demonstrations, particularly on the eve of important global events or meetings, to draw attention and sympathy.

Its activists have also similarly staged abductions to soil the country’s image during such international meetings as the United Nations General Assembly.

But the ZHRC also urged police to thoroughly investigate the latest abduction, and bring the perpetrators to book, and the government to sign up to global conventions against torture.
New Ziana