Zimbabwe: Popular female activist freed

Linda Masarira was arrested during protest in Harare on July 6

By John Cassim

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AA) – A Harare High Court judge, Justice David Mangota, on Monday ordered the immediate release of popular female activist, Linda Masarira, who was imprisoned on July 6.

Masarira, popularly known for standing up to President Robert Mugabe, was arrested during one of the protests in Harare but lower courts denied her bail.

The mother of five allegedly was allegedly placed in solitary confinement at the male section of Harare Chikurubi Maximum Prison, meant for people convicted of serious offenses such as murder.

During her numerous court appearances, she was brought in leg irons and with her hands shackled. The High Court ruled theses practices “unlawful”.

“The state must stop arbitrary arrests forthwith. Instead efforts must focus on addressing concerns of female citizens whose rights are being grossly violated by the police force,” Justice for Women Zimbabwe said in a statement Monday

In the past two months, Zimbabwe has been marred by protests over various grievances which include a call for 92-year-old ruler Robert Mugabe to resign due to misrule.

Kaynak:

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