Complied by Flex Dan, @FlexDan_YT
The Press Releases below have been received from Freedom House which is an independent watchdog organization that supports democratic change, monitors the status of freedom around the world, and advocates for democracy and human rights.
Zimbabwe: ‘Stay-Away’ Protests against Economic Policies, Late Salaries
Washington – July 13, 2016 — In advance of today’s planned stay-away protest in Zimbabwe, where citizens will protest government economic policies by staying away from their offices and schools, Freedom House issued the following statement:
“The Zimbabwean government should respect citizens’ right to peaceful protest, as enshrined in Section 59 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution, which states that ‘every person has the right to demonstrate and to present petitions’,” said Lynn Fredriksson, director for Southern African programs. “The government has an obligation to protect freedom of expression. Authorities should not respond to peaceful protests with arrests and repressive measures, as happened last week.”
Background:
Prior to today and Thursday’s planned “stay-away,” protests have taken place in Harare and other cities as a result of the government’s failure to pay civil servants, a new ban on the import of basic commodities, and grievances about corruption and a faltering economy. Authorities have arrested peaceful protestors and temporarily blocked access to the communications mobile application WhatsApp. Pastor Evan Mawarire, who has called for nonviolent protests through the popular #ThisFlag Twitter campaign, is now in custody, charged with “inciting public violence and disturbing the peace.”
Zimbabwe is rated Partly Free in Freedom in the World 2016, and Not Free in Freedom of the Press 2016.
Zambia: Government Suspends Election Campaigns
Washington – July 12, 2016 — In response to Zambia’s Electoral Commission of suspending campaign activities in the capital following clashes between rival political factions and a violent police response, Freedom House issued the following statement:
“Freedom House urges all political parties, their leaders and their supporters to heed the Electoral Commission’s appeal for peace and for assurances that national and local elections can take place as scheduled in August without further incidents,” said Lynn Fredriksson, director for Southern Africa programs. “Campaign violence undermines Zambia’s democracy.”
Background:
Following threats to suspend public campaigns after violent clashes between supporters of the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) and its main opposition the United Party for National Development (UPND) in June, the Electoral Commission on July 10 suspended all campaign activities in Lusaka and Namwala for a period of 10 days.
The violence came after a series of attacks that targeted journalists, government interference with media companies, and the government forcing the closure of the main independent newspaper, The Post, in June.
Zambia is rated Partly Free in Freedom of the World 2016, and Not Free in Freedom of the Press 2016.