The United Kingdom has revealed that it is following with keen interest how the Zimbabwe government is handling the trial of opposition legislators and civil society leaders arrested and charged for participating in January protests over fuel price hikes.
The British government’s position was revealed by the minister for Africa, Harriett Baldwin, on social media on Wednesday. Wrote Baldwin:
It is essential that Zimbabwe upholds the rule of law and human rights. We are watching closely in Harare how cases against opposition MPs and human rights defenders are progressing, including attending court hearings.
Several MDC MPs, as well as human rights defenders, are facing treason charges for allegedly inciting the violent protests, among which are Joanna Mamombe, Rashid Mahiya, Chalton Hwende and Evan Mawarire.