ZCTU+Protests+and+COSATU+solidarity

ZCTU, 09;00AM 15 SEPTEMBER 2006
=ZCTU PROTESTS UPDATE=

30 people arrested in Harare during the ZCTU protests on Wednesday are still in Police custody. The 16 who were detained and assaulted at the notorious Matapi Police station including the ZCTU leadership final got medical check ups (under police guard) this morning at Pariranyatwa hospital after protracted negotiations between the lawyer and the top hierarchy of the Police.
 * Harare**

It has been established that Wellington Chibebe, the ZCTU Secretary General, fractured an arm and has bruises on his head which is swollen. He has been admitted in hospital for treatment. Other activists who visibly could not walk properly were examined and sent back to the Harare Central Police Holding cells.

Meanwhile, lawyers have made an urgent chamber application to the Highcourt to compel police to take the arrested to remand court

The activists who were arrested in Chitungwiza, were released yesterday after paying admission of guilt fines. 8 of them who were assaulted by the police were able to receive medical attention
 * Chitungwiza**

12 people who were arrested in Chegutu are expected to appear in court today. They are being charged under the Criminal Law, Codification and Reform Act.
 * Gweru**

Victoria Falls
3 Members of the ZCTU who were arrested on Wednesday are still in Police detention in Victoria Falls. Lawyers are negotiating for their release. the three were arrested for their role in organising the protests.

II members of the ZCTU are appearing in court in Kadoma, having being arrested on wednesday and charged under the Criminal Law and Codification Act.
 * Kadoma**

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ Mlamleli Sibanda Information Officer ZCTU Box 3549 Harare

Tel: 263 4 702517 Cel: 263 11 620 232 Fax: 263 4 728484 E:mail: info@zctu.co.zw Web : wwww.zctu.co.zw**



COSATU Media Release, Fri 2006/09/15 02:18 PM
=COSATU demands release of detained ZCTU members=

The Congress of South African Trade Unions is increasingly disturbed and shocked at the news from Zimbabwe, and we are urgently calling for international pressure to be brought to bear on the government to release all the trade unionists arrested on Wednesday 13 September In particular we are deeply concerned at the news that one of those arrested, Wellington Chibebe, the ZCTU Secretary General, has been admitted to hospital with a fractured arm and bruises on his head which is swollen. Other arrested activists who clearly could not even walk properly were being sent back to the Harare Central Police Holding cells after receiving medical attention, and this only after protracted negotiations between their lawyer and the top police officials.

The COSATU Congress next week will undoubtedly demand the strongest possible protest against the Zimbabwe government’s outrageous treatment of trade unionists, some of whom were due to attend the Congress as guests. Their only crime is to exercise the basic right to demonstrate peacefully against unemployment and poverty.

We are renewing our call on the governments attending the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Havana, Cuba, including the South African government, to convey to the Zimbabwe delegation their protest at this attack on human rights

We demand the immediate release of all those arrested, the dropping of all charges and disciplinary action against police officers found to have been responsible for the beating and torture of detainees. Patrick Craven (National Spokesperson)** P.O.Box 1019** Tel: +27 11 339-4911/24**
 * Congress of South African Trade Unions**
 * 1-5 Leyds Cnr Biccard Streets**
 * Braamfontein, 2017**
 * Johannesburg, 2000**
 * SOUTH AFRICA**
 * Fax: +27 11 339-5080/6940/ 086 603 9667**
 * Cell: 0828217456**
 * E-Mail: patrick@cosatu.org.za**

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