ZIMBABWE:SUPPORTERS OF opposition candidates in Zimbabwe continue to face harassment and intimidation ahead of this weekend's national elections, Amnesty International has said.
The human rights organisation warned that the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly are being unnecessarily restricted in advance of the polls.
"Although opposition parties appear to be enjoying a greater degree of access to previously 'no go areas' in rural areas compared with previous elections, we continue to receive reports of intimidation, harassment and violence against perceived supporters of opposition candidates. Many in rural regions are fearful there will be retribution after the elections," said Simeon Mawanza, Amnesty's Zimbabwe researcher who recently returned from the country.
He urged Zimbabwean authorities to respect the rights of all candidates and civil society organisations during and after the election period. "The police should ensure that all Zimbabweans are allowed to engage in peaceful protest before and during the elections, and must desist from using excessive force, torture or other inhuman and degrading treatment," added Mr Mawanza.
Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil TD Barry Andrews has called on the Government to direct the National Pension Reserve Fund (NPRF) to stop investing in companies operating in Zimbabwe. He said the Government's decision last week to withdraw NPRF investments from companies involved in the production of cluster munitions set a welcome precedent.
"If, as seems likely, Mugabe wins a rigged election, the Irish Government can and should adopt tougher measures and disinvestment is the most effective unilateral one," said Mr Andrews.