THE main opposition MDC will today hold an urgent caucus meeting to discuss the arrests of several of their legislators over the weekend and persecution of several others who have now gone into hiding after being accused of orchestrating last week’s successful countrywide stayaway.
This came as the United Nations called for a peaceful resolution to the current challenges in the country.
“The United Nations strongly believes that the current challenges in the country can only be resolved through peaceful and consultative processes,” the UN said in a statement last night.
“In line with Zimbabwe’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, upholding rule of law and ensuring the protection of human rights of all Zimbabweans at all times is critical for accelerated economic recovery, inclusive growth and sustainable development.”
Labour and civil rights organisations called for the stayaway when President Emmerson Mnangagwa raised fuel prices by nearly 150% nearly two weeks ago, which turned violent when government reacted by unleashing the armed soldiers and police on civilians throughout the country.
The State also blocked the Internet to prevent the brutal crackdown being broadcast to the world, in what analysts say is evidence that the country is slipping back into authoritarian rule.
Several opposition MPs and labour officials have been arrested, while others have gone into hiding to escape the clampdown, with lawyers and human rights groups saying at least 12 people were killed and 78 others treated for bullet wounds during the protests.
MDC chief whip in the National Assembly, Prosper Mutseyami, yesterday told NewsDay that the Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House meeting today would tackle issues to do with victimisation of their members, whom he said were being brutalised, tortured and refused treatment.
“Tomorrow [today], we will hold a party caucus for MDC Alliance MPs at Harvest House in Harare, with the view of discussing their victimisation because it is not fair,” Mutseyami said.
“The agenda is to get details from the MPs of what they have gone through and the trauma that they have experienced, as well as what their fellow constituents have also gone through because our members were not involved in organising the demonstrations.”
