Biti Arrest An Assault On Constitutional Freedoms – Welshman Ncube
Opposition politician Welshman Ncube has condemned the arrest of Constitutional Defenders Forum (CDF) convener Tendai Biti on Saturday, calling it a clear case of selective law enforcement, and has demanded his immediate release.
Biti was detained in Mutare alongside journalist Fanuel Chinowaita, Morgan Ncube, and lawyer Nyasha Gerald while carrying out a peaceful “meet the people” campaign opposing Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3.
In a statement, Ncube, who leads a faction of the CCC party, described the arrests as a blatant assault on constitutional freedoms, particularly the rights to freedom of expression, association, and political participation.
He also called for an end to the selective application of the law and urged the government to restore a free and open democratic space where all citizens can participate without fear.
Ncube stressed that Zimbabwe belongs to all its citizens—not a single party or political elite—and that Zimbabweans have a constitutional right to speak out, organise, and defend their democracy. Ncube added:
“It is unacceptable that ZANU PF is allowed to hold meetings in every ward across the country to advance its position while those with dissenting views are arrested, beaten, harassed and silenced.
“What happened to Professor Madhuku is a case in point. This is not democracy – it is State-sponsored repression.”
