Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. THE Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has condemned the arson attack on the Southern Africa Political Economy Series (SAPES) Trust offices in Harare this week, warning it threatens democracy and constitutional rights.
The incident occurred on Tuesday when unknown assailants firebombed the premises located in Belgravia, destroying the seminar room and abducting the security guard on duty.
According to the ZHRC, the attack appeared aimed at disrupting a Press conference on proposed constitutional amendments relating to presidential term limits.
“The timing and nature of the attack may have the effect of intimidating individuals, civil society organisations and other stakeholders,” the statement said.
“Stifling freedoms of expression, assembly and association that are guaranteed under Sections 58 and 61 of the Constitution.”
The Commission said every Zimbabwean has political rights, including campaigning peacefully, take part in political activity and support or challenge government policies.
“Every Zimbabwean has political rights guaranteed in section 67(1), specifically to campaign freely and peacefully for any political party or cause, to participate in peaceful political activity, and to influence or support policies of the government or any other cause.”
“If the attack was intended to silence debate on matters of public interest, this would constitute a direct assault on human rights, democracy and constitutionalism.”
The ZHRC urged law enforcement agencies to ensure thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to this unfortunate incident and called for perpetrators to be brought to justice.
The rights commission reiterated that “the debate on presidential term limits must be allowed to be vigorous and robust”, emphasising that it should be a contest of ideas rather than intimidation.
The commission concluded that robust debate is essential in a democratic society, strengthening progress by allowing competition of ideas and urged Zimbabweans to demonstrate tolerance in handling the issue.
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