The detention of political prisoners is undermining donor confidence in Zimbabwe’s new unity government, hurting efforts to rebuild the economy, new Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said on Wednesday.
In his maiden speech to Parliament, Tsvangirai said that reviving the shattered economy was the main priority of the new unity government with President Robert Mugabe, but that persecution of activists was making it hard to win donor financing.
”No donor country or institution is going to offer any meaningful assistance unless our new government projects a positive image,” he said.
”Brutal suppression, wanton arrests and political persecution impede our ability to rebuild our economy to generate wealth for all,” he added.
Donors led by former colonial power Britain and the United States have warned that they will not provide major financing and investment to Zimbabwe until long-time ruler Mugabe proves he is willing to reform.
Seven political prisoners have been freed on bail since Friday, including top rights activist Jestina Mukoko, who like her colleagues has claimed that authorities tortured her after abducting her from her home three months ago.
But 24 others arrested last year are still behind bars, and Roy Bennett — a top aide to Tsvangirai — was arrested shortly before the new Cabinet was sworn in on February 13.
”These detainees are being punished before they have been convicted. If indeed there is sufficient evidence supporting the allegations against them, their respective trials must be given precedence in the national interest,” Tsvangirai said.
”The days of the police wantonly and violently breaking up peaceful demonstrations and gatherings and needlessly imprisoning innocent Zimbabweans must now come to an end,” he added.
Tsvangirai took office as prime minister three weeks ago in a unity government with Zimbabwe, in a move meant to end nearly a year of political turmoil following disputed elections last March. — AFP
