MISA-Zimbabwe

PRESS STATEMENT

26 March 2003

The Media Defence Fund and the Media Lawyers Network wish to express shock and outrage over the assault on lawyers, GUGULETHU MOYO and ALEC MUCHADEHAMA.

It has never been heard before that a lawyer can be arrested and detained for carrying out a duty imposed on him/her by the Constitution of Zimbabwe that grants everyone a right to legal representation. We condemn the heavy-handed manner in which police treated not only Ms GUGULETHU MOYO but also PHILEMON BULAWAYO, the Daily News photographer who was arrested and assaulted for exercising his constitutional rights.

It was reported that Jocelyn Chiwenga, wife of army commander, Lieutenant Constantine Chiwenga beat up Daily News Legal Advisor and Cooperate Affairs Secretary, Ms GUGU MOYO. We call upon the responsible authorities to take action against the alleged perpetrators of this very serious offence. It should never be allowed that a citizen (Mrs Chiwenga) would beat up a lawyer at a police station (Glen View), in front of the officer in charge of the police station, police officers and soldiers with no action being taken against the citizen. The Police force should strive to remain impartial and remain focused on law enforcement not the current scenario where Police are spectators where crimes are committed, cause lawlessness and partake in unlawful activities.

Lawyers are officers of the court! What then would make us believe that Police will not needlessly arrest and harass Judges, Magistrates and Prosecutors?
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