The UK Minister for Africa James Duddridge has urged Zimbabwean authorities to reform and stop harassing political opponents.
Duddridge made reference to the High Court denying Joana Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri bail and said the government must ensure all are treated equally under the law.
Tweeted Duddridge:
Bail denied again for Joana Mamombe & Cecilia Chimbiri in Zimbabwe. I call on Zimbabwe’s authorities to ensure all are treated equally under the law, and to show action on the government’s commitments to reform. Harassment of political opponents needs to end.
The Uk Minister For Africa Duddridge’s tweet came exactly 3 days after the EU in Zimbabwe condemned the High Court ruling and also said the selective application of the law must not persist in Zimbabwe:
Joana Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri have been denied bail again this week. Their continued incarceration violates their rights, and illustrates what human rights defenders have described repeatedly as selective application of the law in #Zimbabwe. #EU4HumanRights
Mamombe and Chimbiri were denied bail after High Court judge Justice Chitapi said there is evidence against them that warrants his decision not to grant them bail. The duo was arrested on 5 March for being part of a press conference that was deemed illegal by law enforcement agents.
Source: James Duddridge