The Zimbabwean government is being recommended to stop any from of torture inflicted on all opposing forces of the government.

The government is also being recommended to ensure adequate and timely access to medical and legal services for victims of torture and political violence and ensure accountability and legal prosecution of perpetrators of torture and political violence. Individuals, including police, ZANU-PF party members and members of related organizations who will have participated in torture and political violence were recommended that they be held accountable in courts of law for their actions. The Zimbabwean Medical Association (ZIMA) was encouraged to ensure that the Zimbabwean government upholds nationally and internationally recognized human rights standards including prohibitions of torture and the provision of medical care for detainees.

In the findings of the research, prominent opposition leaders, ordinary MDC members and local community organizers are being systematically tortured and targeted by Zimbabwean authorities for political violence. This assessment is supported by the testimony and medical evidence of the 24 Zimbabwean victims of torture and political violence interviewed and evaluated for the report. All had clear physical and psychological evidence of torture and abuse corroborating their testimony. These victims of political violence included both men and women. Zimbabweans who were arrested and detained for their political activities described being detained under filthy, inhuman conditions as well as being denied basic necessities such as food, water, light, and blankets. Some doctors and lawyers assisting victims of torture and political violence described being threatened and harassed by police and other government authorities. For example, medical and legal professionals who were interviewed received threatening phone calls both at their homes and at work warning them not to interfere with state sponsored violence.

---

Share This Story On:

Average user rating