The United States says “it is deeply troubled” by the economic policies and financial strains that have prompted numerous protests in the country and has called on the government not to assault the peaceful protesters.
By Staff Reporter
In a statement yesterday, the US embassy in Harare said it supported freedom of speech and assembly and urged the government “to exhibit restraint and respect the human rights of all Zimbabwean citizens, including those basic rights”.
“We urge everyone to engage in non-violent discourse and for all those involved in protests – participants and law enforcement alike – to abstain from violence and intimidation and seek peaceful resolutions. Violence is never acceptable,” the statement said.
The statement came after several MDC-T youths protesting against police brutality were assaulted by the police in Harare on Wednesday. The US said it was also monitoring recent threats to crack down on activists using social media.
“We fear these threats will further limit the right of Zimbabweans to exercise freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, which are enshrined in the Zimbabwean Constitution, protected under Zimbabwe’s international human rights obligations, and core values of any functioning democracy,” the embassy said.
“We support Zimbabweans’ rights to freedom of speech regardless of the venue – be it in public, through print media, or social media.”
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The Australian mission also said: “The Australian Embassy wishes to emphasise that the rule of law, respect for human rights, right to free speech, freedom of assembly and other democratic freedoms are at the heart of the Constitution and must be respected by all parties. We encourage the government to ensure the democratic freedoms of all Zimbabweans are fully protected.”
