U.S. Government statement on Zimbabwe Government Arrests Opposition Leaders

Press Statement
Sean McCormack
Washington, DC

March 11, 2007

Zimbabwe Government Arrests Opposition Leaders

The United States Government condemns the brutal and unwarranted actions of the Government of Zimbabwe March 11 in attacking its citizens peacefully gathered 
to exercise their legitimate democratic rights at a prayer meeting in the     
Harare suburb of Highfield.

The Embassy reports that one person was killed, a number were injured, and over 100 were arrested. Police have refused to inform lawyers of the whereabouts of
those arrested, including Movement for Democratic Change leaders Morgan       
Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara; and Lovemore Madhuku, head of the National   
Constitutional Assembly.

We hold President Robert Mugabe and the Government of Zimbabwe accountable for
the government’s actions today, and for the safety and well-being of    
those in custody. We call for the immediate release of those detained, and for
the provision of medical treatment for those injured.

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