TAKE ACTION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

DROP CHARGES AGAINST HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER

Zimbabwe UA 78.26

On August 3, Zimbabwean human rights defender Bhekimpilo Mbedzi was granted bail by the High Court of Zimbabwe following his arrest on July 15, for posting a video on social media calling for protests against the recently enacted Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3. His release, however, is not unconditional. Bhekimpilo Mbedzi continues to face charges of ‘inciting an unlawful gathering’ with the state alleging that he failed to notify the relevant authorities of the event.

Call on the Zimbabwean authorities to immediately end the prosecution of, and drop all charges against, Bhekimpilo Mbedzi as he is being prosecuted solely for the peaceful exercise of his human rights - send your message using our email writing tool.

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Prosecutor General

Loice

Matanda-Moyo

Zimbabwean Prosecutor General

Zimbabwean Prosecutor Gen

Loice

Matanda-Moyo

Zimbabwean Prosecutor General

Dear Honorable Loice Matanda-Moyo,

I am concerned about the ongoing prosecution of human rights defender, Bhekimpilo Mbedzi.

On July 15, Bhekimpilo Mbedzi was arbitrarily arrested and detained after he posted a video on social media calling for protests against the recently enacted Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3.

On August 3, the High Court of Zimbabwe granted Bhekimpilo Mbedzi bail of USD $200. While I welcome this news, Bhekimpilo Mbedzi’s release is not unconditional. He continues to face the charge of “incitement to conduct an unlawful gathering” which carries a penalty of seven years imprisonment.

I am concerned that Bhekimpilo Mbedzi is being prosecuted solely for the peaceful exercise of his human rights. The misuse of the criminal justice system to target, harass, and intimidate individuals for peacefully expressing dissenting views or mobilizing others to exercise their right to peaceful assembly risks undermining civic space and discouraging the legitimate exercise of human rights.

I call on you and the authorities to end Bhekimpilo Mbedzi’s prosecution and drop all the charges against him. I further urge you and the authorities to uphold and ensure respect for the human rights of everyone in the country including the rights freedom of expression, association, and to peaceful assembly as enshrined in Zimbabwe’s Constitution and human rights treaties such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Yours sincerely,

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