Zimbabwe Government's Continuing Attacks on Opposition

The United States condemns the Government of Zimbabwe's continued attacks on the political opposition, including additional arrests, beatings and refusal to allow travel for necessary medical treatment. We hold President Mugabe personally responsible for these actions, and call on him to allow all Zimbabweans the right to live without fear and to fully participate in the political process. Most immediately, the government must refrain from attacks against the opposition's procession planned for March 19 in memory of Mr.Gift Tandare, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) activist shot dead by police on March 11.

President Mugabe clearly fears a free and open political debate in his country and is therefore willing to use violence to suppress all those who oppose him. Ultimately, he will be held accountable by the people of Zimbabwe and by the world.