PUBLIC AI Index: AFR 46/015/2008

23 May 2008

Further Information on UA 126/08 (AFR 46/013/2008, 14 May 2008) – Torture and other ill-treatment/ harassment of human rights defenders

ZIMBABWE Lovemore Matombo (m), President of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions

Wellington Chibebe (m), Secretary General of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions

Lovemore Matomobo and Wellington Chibebe were granted bail by a High Court judge on 19 May. According to their lawyer, they were detained at Harare Central Police Station in cells which had raw sewage flowing through them. While they were held there, from 8 to 12 May, police gave them no blankets, and threatened them with assault. On 12 May they were transferred to Harare Central Remand Prison where they were detained until 19 May.

They are charged with "communicating falsehoods prejudicial to the state," in connection with speeches they made during May Day celebrations in Harare on 1 May. A Harare magistrate had refused them bail on 12 May. Their trial will begin on 23 May at Harare Magistrates' Court.

No further action is requested from the UA network: Amnesty International will continue campaigning on the men's behalf through other means. Many thanks to all who sent appeals.