A powerful grouping of former student leaders from Zimbabwe has demanded the ‘immediate and unconditional release’ of 46 activists arrested, tortured and later charged with treason by the Mugabe regime.
The newly formed Former Zimbabwe Student Leaders Network (FZSLN) issued a statement on Thursday condemning the arrest of the 46 activists who include two prominent former student leaders Munyaradzi Gwisai and Hopewell Gumbo.
Police and members of the state security agency arrested the activists on the 19th of February as they gathered at a private meeting organized by the International Socialist Organization to discuss recent events in Tunisia and Egypt. Video footage of protests in Egypt and Tunisia was screened before an academic debate ensued.
“We understand that at least seven of the activists were tortured while in police custody and that formal charges of ‘attempting to overthrow government through unconstitutional means’ were eventually laid against them well outside the 48-hour period prescribed by law,” the FZSLN said in a statement.
“The totally unacceptable torture and harassment of activists indicates clearly the partisanship and lack of professionalism of the police. Despite over two years of a transitional coalition government, serious human rights abuses continue to take place in Zimbabwe.
“We call upon Zimbabweans in their various groupings in civil society, churches, trade unions and pro-democracy political parties to actively show solidarity with the detained activists through protest marches demanding the freedom of these 46 activists and a restoration of respect for human rights and democracy to Zimbabwe,” the FZSLN added.
The Former Zimbabwe Student Leaders Network draws on the membership of prominent former student leaders like Arthur Mutambara, Nelson Chamisa, Tendai Biti, Munyaradzi Gwisai, Tinomudaishe Chinyoka, Daniel Molokele, Hopewell Gumbo, Dewa Mavhinga, Chartlon Hwende, Pedzisai Ruhanya and others.
Below is a full list of those arrested, tortured and charged with treason:
1 Munyaradzi Gwisai
2 Antonater Choto
3 Tatenda Mombeyarara
4 Michael Sozinyu
5 Eddson Chakuma
6 Hopewell Gumbo
7 Welcome Zimuto
8 Phillip Magaya
9 Prolific Mataruse
10 Godknows Biya
11 David Mupatse
12 Douglas Muzanenhamo
13 Ganizani Nunu, Reki Jimu
14 Josphat Chinembiri
15 Strutton Muhambi
16 Trevor Chamba
17 Clarence Mugari
18 Munyaradzi Maregedze
19 Willie Hlatswayo
20 Ian Muteto
21 Tinashe Muzambi
22 Tinashe Mutazu
23 Pride Mukono
24 Lenard Kamwendo
25 Tinashe Chisaira
26 Trust Munyama
27 Peter Garanewako
28 Elizabeth Makume
29 Megline Malunga
30 Daison Bango
31 Malvern Hobwana
32 Tashinga Mudzengi
33 Ednar Chabalika
34 Thokozile Mathe
35 Francisca Thompson
36 Masline Zvomuya
37 Nhamo Kute
38 Annie Chipeta
39 Tabeth Chideya
40 Charles Mubwandarikwa
41 Thomas Chibaya
42 Fatima Manhando
43 Blessing Muguzayaya
44 Robert Muhlaba
A baby arrested with the mother on Saturday was released the following day into the custody of the father.
