Churches say ‘civic restrictions’ in Zimbabwe threaten freedom

In recent months, journalists and members of the public opposed to the government have been imprisoned on charges of undermining the president and threatening the rule of law.

The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) warned that what they called a restrictive civic environment that is threatening fundamental rights. 

In a statement dated 13 April, issued to coincide with Holy Week and Independence Day commemorations on 18 April, they addressed the country’s increasing economic hardship and what activists say are deteriorating human rights.

In recent months, journalists and members of the public opposed to the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union (Patriotic Front), ZANU-PF, have been thrown into prison on charges of undermining the president and threatening the rule of law. Human rights and pro-democracy activists say these arrests reveal a disturbing trend of human rights abuses.

The ZCC says these developments go against the spirit of the country’s constitution and appealed to the country to renew its commitment to “peace, social justice and human rights for all citizens”.

“A restrictive civic environment continues to threaten fundamental freedoms, compounding the sufferings caused by a harsh economy and acts of repression,” the Churches said in their statement.

“We call upon our leaders to prioritise the needs of the people to cultivate an environment where every voice is heard and to uphold the rule of law,” it continued.

These concerns have intensified amid growing hostilities within ZANU-PF. Disaffected members of the ruling party called on the population to take to the streets to voice their discontent with the government, which has responded by deploying security forces across the country. No mass protests took place.

“As a Church, we affirm that we offer solidarity to the people of Zimbabwe, the nationalists and liberation fighters, and given today’s realities, the Church affirms its unfaltering resolve to stand with the ordinary people,” the ZCC statement said.

The council also renewed its appeal for the revision of what it called “repressive laws which restrict the ability of Zimbabweans to organise and express their views”.

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