Blog 6 Moving in the Wrong Direction

As we see major changes and political uproar in the Middle East, there is also evidence of what could be preliminary problems in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe African National Union- Patriotic Front or ZANU-PF has been seen behind many violations of human rights recently, with their push to gain control of the political system as their main motive. Many of the attacks come against potential opponents such as the Movement for Democratic Change or the MDC, who have been a primary target for these attacks. The political system in Zimbabwe is currently a shared power, between the two groups, with the MDC currently as the head of power, and in the upcoming election the ZANU-PF is planning to run for election, and change this. One leg that the ZANU-PF has, is it’s control over the authorities, they are able to “get away” with many of their acts of intimidation, because there is no one in the authorities, to go against them, or who is willing to show leniency, or see the both sides of the story.

One major attack came on February 19, as 46 people were arrested for simply watching a video of recent events in Tunisia and Egypt. Most of the people arrested were charged with attempting to overthrow the government, or treason, which can carry a life in prison or death penalty. The viewing of this video, was viewed as a threat to the current government. ZANU-PF doesn’t want to receive any criticism or opposition in the upcoming race, and by intimidating the potential opponents, they are trying to send a message to the general population. Also 23 others including a member of parliament, affiliated with the MDC have also been arrested in separate situations. There has been countless violence, and attacks caused by the ZANU-PF against supporters of the MDC, but all the blame has been but on members of the MDC.

Violating these people’s rights to chose the government of their choice is a blatant for of violation of human rights. It has been seen by members of neighboring IGO’S and NGO’S and a call to cease action has been called. Members of Human Rights Watch, and the Southern African Development Community, have both spoken out against the violence and unfair treatment of “potential opponents”. In my opinion, if they are not stopped, this ZANU-PF has the potential to become an autocratic regime, similar to many of the government leaders that many other countries are trying to dispel.

http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/02/24/zimbabwe-free-activists-charged-viewing-mideast-video