You are probably also on the Africa Action mailing list, but in case you are not, this is the text of an appeal that just went out this evening:
Take Action Now!
Please consider taking action in support of the Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) whose members have come under harassment and attack by the Zimbabwe police following nationwide peaceful protests that WOZA organized on Valentine's Day. Two women, Sibongile Matupe and Rose Rukwewo, an elderly woman, have been arrested in the City of Mutare and are currently being denied access to a lawyer.
In the Valentine's Day peaceful marches across Zimbabwe, WOZA protestors handed to passers by Valentine cards, red roses and abbreviated copies of WOZA's report on the state of democracy in Zimbabwe.
While the Bulawayo and Harare marches of hundreds proceeded with no arrests, the outrageous actions of the police in Mutare reminiscent of the pre-inclusive government era in Zimbabwe threaten to reverse tender democratic gains made so far and must be challenged with the full mighty of international solidarity.
Please take action now:
1. Please call Mutare Central Police station to protest the arrest of these women and to demand their immediate release on (+263 20) 31543 or 64212 or 63813/4
2. Send a solidarity message to WOZA at wozazimbabwe@yahoo.com
In Solidarity,
Staff @ Africa Action
Take Action Now!
Please consider taking action in support of the Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) whose members have come under harassment and attack by the Zimbabwe police following nationwide peaceful protests that WOZA organized on Valentine's Day. Two women, Sibongile Matupe and Rose Rukwewo, an elderly woman, have been arrested in the City of Mutare and are currently being denied access to a lawyer.
In the Valentine's Day peaceful marches across Zimbabwe, WOZA protestors handed to passers by Valentine cards, red roses and abbreviated copies of WOZA's report on the state of democracy in Zimbabwe.
While the Bulawayo and Harare marches of hundreds proceeded with no arrests, the outrageous actions of the police in Mutare reminiscent of the pre-inclusive government era in Zimbabwe threaten to reverse tender democratic gains made so far and must be challenged with the full mighty of international solidarity.
Please take action now:
1. Please call Mutare Central Police station to protest the arrest of these women and to demand their immediate release on (+263 20) 31543 or 64212 or 63813/4
2. Send a solidarity message to WOZA at wozazimbabwe@yahoo.com
In Solidarity,
Staff @ Africa Action
