More than 70 opposition activists were acquitted on Wednesday after their arrests in June for allegedly plotting a peaceful demonstration during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Harare. The acquittal marks a significant development in the ongoing tension between the Zimbabwean government and human rights defenders.
The activists, who were represented by Jeremiah Bamu of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, had been arrested at the home of Jameson Timba, acting leader of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). They were charged with attending a public gathering with the intent to incite public violence and disorder. The arrests sparked widespread criticism both domestically and internationally, with many accusing the government of silencing opposition voices.
“They have all been found not guilty of disorderly conduct,” Bamu stated outside the Harare Magistrates Court. “Eleven of them have already been discharged on the charge of promoting public violence, while the rest will face defense proceedings after an on-site inspection.”
According to Zimbabwe’s Minister of Home Affairs, Kazembe Kazembe, the activists were arrested after allegedly planning to disrupt the SADC summit, which brought together leaders from Southern African countries in Harare last month. The arrest count swelled to over 100 as more activists were apprehended in other parts of the country.
Among the detainees were prominent human rights advocate Namatai Kwekweza, Robson Chere, and Samuel Gwenzi, who were forcibly removed from a domestic flight. In court, the trio reported being subjected to torture during their detention by the police. They were granted bail on September 4 after a successful appeal, with each activist required to pay $150 and report to the authorities monthly.
“Our appeal was successful, and they have now been released on bail,” said Charles Kwaramba, the lawyer representing the three activists. “This was a critical step toward securing justice.”
The wave of arrests has drawn condemnation from international organizations and human rights advocates. Mary Lawlor, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, welcomed the bail release but expressed outrage at the activists’ initial detention, labeling it a “travesty of justice.” Lawlor called for all charges against the activists to be dropped and demanded an investigation into the circumstances of their politically motivated detention.
Amnesty International echoed these sentiments, with Khanyo Farisè, the organization’s deputy regional director for East and Southern Africa, urging the Zimbabwean government to immediately release all those who were arrested for exercising their rights. Farisè condemned the arrests as arbitrary and a violation of both Zimbabwe’s constitution and international human rights agreements.
Zimbabwe has a long history of human rights abuses, with allegations dating back to the rule of former President Robert Mugabe, who faced accusations of election fraud and forcibly seizing land from white farmers. Despite promises of reform from his successor, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the government continues to face scrutiny over its treatment of political opponents and activists. Mnangagwa, who is currently on a state visit to China, has insisted that his administration remains committed to upholding the constitution and respecting human rights, despite ongoing criticism from international observers.
The acquittal of the activists comes as a rare victory for the opposition in a country where the political climate remains highly charged. However, the legal battles are far from over, as the remaining activists will continue to fight for their release in the weeks ahead.