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News | Africa | Southern Africa

Zimbabwe activists charged in bomb plot

HARARE, ZIMBABWE Jan 07 2009 17:53
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Seven members of Zimbabwe's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) were the first of dozens of jailed dissidents to be formally charged on Wednesday, and they pleaded not guilty in a bombing plot.

The seven are among rights activists and MDC members detained in recent weeks in what the MDC calls a crackdown on dissent. They were charged with terrorism, banditry and insurgency, and could face the death penalty if convicted.

They include Gandi Mudzingwa, an adviser to MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai; and Chris Dhlamini, head of security for Tsvangirai's party.

Lawyer Alec Muchadehama, who entered the not guilty pleas on behalf of his clients, told the judge the charges were "ridiculous and scandalous".

He also called two doctors, who testified the defendants had been beaten while in police custody and had serious injuries. Muchadehama asked the judge to allow the defendants to be further examined outside jail to determine whether they had been tortured.

The prosecutors argued that the two doctors' testimony was not credible. The judge was expected to rule on Thursday on the request for further medical examination.

The charges stem from two minor blasts in the main Harare police station and a botched bombing of a highway bridge and railroad line west of Harare last year.

Several MDC activists accused of involvement had been acquitted earlier, and police have said the bombs at the police station may have been planted by disgruntled officers, possibly to destroy incriminating evidence.

In a separate case, another group of detainees has been accused -- but so far not formally charged -- of attempting to recruit fighters to train in neighbouring Botswana to overthrow Zanu-PF leader Robert Mugabe.

CONTINUES BELOW


Leaders of neighbouring countries and international rights groups have said such charges are baseless.

The MDC says the various plot allegations have been fabricated amid an increasing clampdown on dissent, and could be used as an excuse to declare a state of emergency.

Mugabe, who has been in power since the country's 1980 independence from Britain, agreed in September to share power with Tsvangirai following a disputed presidential election in March. Under the deal, Mugabe is to remain president and Tsvangirai would get the new post of prime minister.

The deal has broken down, with Tsvangirai accusing Mugabe of trying to hold on to too many key Cabinet posts.

State media have reported that Mugabe was expected to form a new government by the end of February, apparently without the MDC.

Tsvangirai insists he will not become prime minister in a unity government until disagreements are settled.

Zimbabwe's state-run Herald newspaper reported on Wednesday that Mugabe had named eight Cabinet acting ministers to replace aides who lost their seats in the March vote.

Last week, the president formally dismissed the ministers who lost their parliamentary seats. That move was viewed as part of preparations for unilaterally naming a new government. -- Sapa-AP
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For your info:

The two year old child is still being held in solitary confinement with its mother in a maximum security prison.

It is stil being denied medical treatment, apparently with the Red Cross being denied access when they tried to visit it in prison.

And this is apparently to prevent an independent doctor certify that the child has tortur injuries, when the CIO beat it in front of its mother to try and get het to "confess".
Alisdair Budd on January 7, 2009, 8:43 pm
If the accused allege that they were tortured and an initial exanimation shows they were definitely beaten it is surely logical that the accused be examined for evidence of torture immediately. Why is the Judge, in this case, saying he/she will give their ruling a day or two later? It must be remembered that the accused were abducted weeks ago and no doubt, if they were indeed tortured, that would have been in the first few hours of their abduction.

Mugabe has moved mountains to ensure a number of selected individuals in various positions of power continued to enjoy a life of luxury in the face of growing abject poverty and despair. Judges are amount the select few. In July last year, for example, a number of Judges receive brand new Mercedes Benz, Plasma TV, new Villas, etc. Zimbabwe for all its record hyper inflation, millions on the starvation list, school and hospitals closing down for lack of funds the country has one of the highest per capita ownership of Mercedes Benz!

Could it be that the Judge in this case paying back Mugabe’s favours by buying the State more time so that all evidence of torture will all have disappeared by the time the accused are finally examined.

To cleanse Zimbabwe of the Mugabe and his evil dictatorship, it will not be enough to deal with Mugabe and the few notable henchmen; they are only the ears of the hippo. We have to dig deep in the muddy waters hiding the bulk of the beast. If it is established that the Judge was indeed buying Mugabe time, then he/she must save a mandatory jail term and never be allowed to practice law in Zimbabwe, at the very least.
Wilbert Mukori on January 8, 2009, 12:08 am
which ministers is the article referring to,is it part of the 15 new MP's to be selected together with changirai and mutambara or is it the oldest parliament or what.jurnos should use words like also,then,of, just to emphasise so that you don't ask yourself q? like this.
JO'T MOUTLANA on January 8, 2009, 8:31 am
When ZANU-PF and Mugabe finally go - as they will - don't be surprised if there is a settling of scores, and yes, the rest of the 'hippo' will be sorted out...

Policemen who beat opposition members and supporters, and stood by while ZANU-PF supporters murdered and beat MDC supporters...

Soldiers... magistrates... the list is long, and they will suffer what they have dealt out.
Rod Baker on January 8, 2009, 11:56 am
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