Zimbabwean civil society leaders have been under attack in a recent crack-down against independent voices in the country. Currently, 2 leaders of national umbrella body NANGO have been arrested & released on bail, but face trial on November 25, 2009.
17:03, 25.11.09
NCVO welcomes the news that the CEO and Chair of our Zimbabwean counterpart, The National Association for NGOs in Zimbabwe (NANGO), were acquitted this morning (Wed) of all charges.
Dadirai Chikwengo, and Cephas Zinhumwe were both arrested after hosting a meeting in the country in October attended by NCVO’s chief executive, Stuart Etherington among others.
The Zimbabwean authorities claimed that the meeting had been political and it is against the law to hold unauthorised political meetings in the troubled nation.There has been a history of intimidation of NGO staff in Zimbabwe with many facing prison for simply working to build a better society.
Speaking at the NCVO AGM Stuart Etherington said: “Cephas Zinhumwe attended NCVO’s Annual Conference last February, and I know those who met him were impressed by his commitment to supporting and strengthening civil society in Zimbabwe. I am delighted to be able to report that at a short trial this morning, both Cephas and Dadirai Chikwengo were acquitted on all charges. Nevertheless, it was shocking to be reminded that in some parts of the world simply speaking up on behalf of your community can get you arrested.”
Free Zimbabwean Civil Society Leaders!is a campaign run by National Council for Voluntary Organisations, in partnership with other civil society organisations from around the world.
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