Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for Southern Africa Khanyo Farisè has called for the release of more than 70 members of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party following a mass arrest on 16 June 2024.
The 78 CCC members, including interim party leader Jameson Timba, were arrested at Timba’s house where they were commemorating the International Day of the African Child. Said Farisè:
<blockquote>
The arrest and continued arbitrary detention of 77 opposition members who had peacefully gathered at a private residence is part of a disturbing pattern of repression against people exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression.
Zimbabwean authorities must immediately and unconditionally release these opposition members and drop all charges against them.
Authorities must also uphold Zimbabwe’s constitutional and international human rights obligations including the rights to peaceful assembly, liberty and freedom from torture and other ill-treatment.
Authorities must promptly, thoroughly, impartially, independently, transparently and effectively investigate allegations that some of those arrested were tortured while in police custody and bring to justice those suspected to be responsible. Authorities must also ensure those affected receive urgent medical attention.
</blockquote>
One of the individuals arrested was a nursing mother, and another was a 17-year-old minor who has since been released to the custody of his parent.
The group were held in custody for more than 48 hours without appearing before a competent court, which violates the law.
On 17 June, police charged the detainees with “gathering with intent to promote public violence and disorderly conduct.”
77 CCC activists remain in remand and their bail application will continue this Thursday, June 20.
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Amnesty International Demand Immediate Release Of Detained 77 CCC Activists

Jameson Timba, the Chief Administrators of a faction of the opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) party and 78 others were arraigned before the Harare Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, June 18, facing charges of participating in a gathering with the intent to promote violence, breaches of peace or bigotry and disorderly conduct.
Allegations are that on 16 June 2024, at around 2 PM, police received information to the effect that an unsanctioned gathering was underway at house number 6 Downie Road Strathaven, Avondale West, Harare.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the unsanctioned gathering was for an unlawful demonstration.
Police officers proceeded to the residence to investigate and on arrival, they enquired about the purpose of the gathering.
The accused persons allegedly became hostile and riotous and threw stones at the police and their vehicle.
Prosecutors say the police officers had to call for reinforcements. Two police officers were injured and the police vehicle was also damaged.
The accused persons, who included a minor aged 17 years, were only arrested after the police resorted to tear smoke.
The teenager was remanded into the custody of his guardian. Another accused person who showed signs of being mentally challenged was dealt with in terms of section 26 of the Mental Health Act and will be in custody pending an examination by two doctors.
The accused persons challenged their initial remand on the basis that they had been over-detained by the police.
The State opposed the application and the ruling is set for this Wednesday, 19 July, at 11:15 AM.
<figure class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 1024px"><img alt="Image" decoding="async" height="682" loading="lazy" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GQXGpkQXwAIkUtu?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" width="1024"/><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Image Credit: Aaron Ufumeli</figcaption></figure>
In a statement, CCC said Timba and the other party activists are being persecuted for representing the authentic opposition in Zimbabwe. The party added:
<blockquote>
Anyone who represents the authentic opposition in Zimbabwe is subjected to torture, abuse, harassment, and persecution, while those who align with the regime are treated favourably.
</blockquote>
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Jameson Timba, 78 Others Appear In Court Over Illegal Gathering, Disorderly Conduct

Opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) spokesperson, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Fadzayi_Mahere">Fadayi Mahere</a> has said three party members have been arrested over the violence that erupted in Nyatsime during the memorial service of slain CCC activist <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Moreblessing_ali">Moreblessing Ali</a>.
The party earlier reported that Marondera police’s Law and Order division had <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/06/20/police-summon-four-ccc-activists-over-nyatsime-violence-ccc-party/">summoned four activists</a> – Misheck Guzha, Audious Makoma, Precious Jeche and Felix Biri. 
In an update on Monday evening, Mahere said:
<blockquote>
3 CCC leaders from Nyatsime whose homes &amp; shops were burnt by suspected Zanu PF thugs have now been arrested by @PoliceZimbabwe. They’re the victims of arson &amp; political violence but they’re being persecuted. The 3 are Misheck Guzha, Audious Makoma &amp; Precious Jeche.
</blockquote>
This comes as bail ruling for two more CCC officials, Job Sikhala (Zengeza West MP) and Godfrey Sithole (Chitungwiza North MP) has been set for Wednesday 22 Jumye 2022. The duo was also arrested over the violence with authorities accusing them of inciting public violce. 
They deny the allegations saying the charges were maufactured by the state.
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