Global petition demands release of detained Zimbabwean activists

A petition has been launched to pressure President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government to release the 79 political activists who were arrested for allegedly holding an “unsanctioned” political gathering at a private residence in Harare.

The group (now known as the Avondale 79) was arrested on June 16, 2024, at the home of former cabinet Minister Jameson Timba. They have been denied bail by both the Magistrates and the High Court.

According to a petition circulated by Netsai Marova, a democracy and human rights campaigner who has faced a similar ordeal several times, the detained activists have since been subjected to brutal treatment, including police brutality, denial of medical attention, and unlawful detention.

The petition, which has already garnered widespread support, calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the detainees, dropping of all charges, and a thorough investigation into the police brutality incident.

The petition can be accessed on https://chng.it/dRCMbjcb4v.