Crackdown in Zimbabwe

The United States is concerned by the decision of the Government of Zimbabwe to press charges against the trustees of the Voice of the People, an independent radio station. The government’s action suggests a new intimidation campaign against the press and human rights defenders. The trustees are prominent human rights advocates and include Arnold Tsunga, the director of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights. We are deeply troubled by reports that Tsunga may have received death threats because of his work on behalf of human rights in Zimbabwe. The United States calls upon the Government of Zimbabwe to respect the rights of its citizens to advance the cause of human rights without fear of reprisal from the state and its agents.