THE United Kingdom Parliament has said the mission in Harare is closely monitoring reports of harassment, torture and arbitrary arrests targeting individuals opposed to Constitutional Amendment No 3 Bill.
The proposed amendment seeks, among other provisions, to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office and that of Parliament by two years without a referendum.
The remarks were made by Baroness Jenny Chapman of Darlington in response to questions posed to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office by Lord David Patrick Paul Alton of Liverpool regarding the political and governmental climate in Zimbabwe.
Alton had asked: “What representations they have made to the government of Zimbabwe following reports that those opposed to proposals to extend the presidential term in Zimbabwe to 2030 are being targeted with violence and intimidation.”
Chapman confirmed that the UK embassy in Zimbabwe was actively monitoring developments on the ground.
“Our embassy in Harare continues to closely monitor reports of harassment of individuals and groups expressing opposition to proposed changes to the Constitution.
“Officials remain in contact with the government of Zimbabwe, civil society organisations and other stakeholders as part of our ongoing engagement on these matters,” Chapman said.
“Amendment of the Zimbabwean Constitution is a sovereign, legislative matter for Zimbabwe to determine.
- Mr President, you missed the opportunity to be the veritable voice of conscience
- ED to commission new-look border post
- Zanu PF ready for congress
- Zanu PF ready for congress
Keep Reading
“At the same time, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association are fundamental components of any functioning democracy.”
She further said political parties, civil society organisations and journalists in Zimbabwe should be able to operate without harassment.
“We underline the importance of transparent, inclusive and lawful processes, and of ensuring that political space remains open and protected.”
Zimbabwe is witnessing a crackdown against critics of the proposed amendments.
National Constitutional Assembly leader Lovemore Madhuku and party members were reportedly subjected to torture while holding a private meeting at their offices to discuss the constitutional amendments.
Constitution Defenders Forum convener Tendai Biti was recently arrested along with other members of the organisation following a series of meetings opposing the amendments.
Several other gatherings, including those organised by the Public Policy Research Institute of Zimbabwe, the National Democratic Working Group and the MDC, have been either blocked or disrupted by security agents before they took place in Bulawayo.
However, Zanu PF members are conducting awareness campaigns in support of the amendments without disturbance amid a shrinking political space for dissent.
