Government of Zimbabwe Beating and Arresting Protest Marchers

The United States condemns the Mugabe Government's suppression of planned marches by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions. Over 100 individuals were arrested, including senior union leaders, and some were severely beaten as part of the effort to prevent the marches from taking places. The Government's actions against those wishing to protest on behalf of greater democracy, better wages, and access to treatment for AIDS sufferers is another example of its denial of the basic rights of its citizens. We call for the immediate release of those detained and access to medical treatment for those who were injured.

2006/832