Zimbabwean Govt Concerned Over UN Human Rights Experts Conclusion On MDC Alliance Trio

The Zimbabwean government has expressed concern over the conclusion that was made by United Nations human rights experts with regards to the alleged abduction of MDC Alliance trio – Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova.

The experts concluded that the three had been tortured and subjected to degrading treatment. In response to the conclusion, Zimbabwe’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Pearson Chigidi said:

Generally, the Government of Zimbabwe expresses its concern that the five special procedures mandate holders fell short of the standards that they are expected to comply within their work and failed to uphold their moral authority and credibility.

Their joint communication and news release are punctuated by subjective language and are over-prescriptive on matters still under investigation. Domestic remedies have not been exhausted in this matter, so it was unreasonable and premature for the five special procedures mandate holders to involve themselves at this stage.

The experts’ conclusion is consistent with the trio’s claims that after they were arrested at a flash hunger protest in Warren Park on 13 May, they were abducted by suspected state security agents from police custody and for 24 hours were subjected to inhumane treatment.

The government claims the alleged abduction was staged although investigations are still ongoing.

More: The Herald