UANC President Dr Gwinyai Muzorewa (Centre) Flanked by Party Officials at a Press Conference in Harare, Friday.
By Donald Chakamanga
Leader of the United African National Council (UANC), Dr Gwinyai Henry Muzorewa, has urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to grant a presidential pardon to over 120 opposition members and human rights activists detained ahead of the 44th SADC Summit.
Dr Muzorewa’s plea comes as the Government’s crackdown on dissent continues, with key opposition figures facing prolonged pretrial detention and delayed trials.
The detainees’ continued imprisonment has sparked criticism from local human rights organizations, raising concerns about Zimbabwe’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
“The release of these individuals would be a powerful step toward healing and unity,” Dr Muzorewa said.
Added that it would also align Zimbabwe more closely with SADC’s core values of development, technological innovation, tolerance, security, solidarity, good governance, and democracy.
The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, a prominent civic organization, has also called on President Mnangagwa to release the political prisoners.
“Now that the SADC Summit is over, we appeal to President Mnangagwa and his government to release all political prisoners. These are peace-loving citizens who were not planning any demonstration. Have a heart, Mr. SADC Chair,” the coalition posted on its X account.
The detainees’ ongoing legal battles have raised concerns about the Government’s commitment to democratic principles. Human rights defenders and civic society groups continue to demand their immediate and unconditional release.
