by Justice for agriculture
December 10, 2004
The unjust imprisonment of Roy Bennett is continuing to attract international and regional media attention, highlighting the appalling Human Rights record of the ZaNU PF government. and as long as Roy remains in prison the coverage will continue.
He is still being held in Mutoko Prison, and continues to be forced to work outdoors without a hat, suffering from sunburn and from skin infections caused by the lice.
Yet his spirit remains strong and the support from his friends, Zimbabweans of all races and backgrounds, and thousands of people worldwide, has made this ordeal that much more bearable for Roy, Heather and the family.
We were disappointed to read the statement made by the Speaker of the Parliament of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, in his affidavit to the High Court in response to Roy's appeal against his sentence.
In this affidavit, filed on November 17th 2004, Mnangagwa, calls Roy a "common criminal" and goes further to say that "there are occasions when, as in common criminal cases, the provisions of the Bill of Rights are excepted, and these are one of them and its all lawful".
This is a shocking statement coming from a person who, as Speaker, is meant to have presided over events impartially but is clearly advocating for Roy's continued incarceration. Even more worrying is Mnangagwa's belief that "common criminals" have no rights. This illustrates a complete misunderstanding of Zimbabwean law and basic human rights standards, wherein all people should be treated equally and have recourse to protection by the law. To call Roy a "common criminal" is a gross distortion of the facts as they were presented to parliament. This is yet more proof of the political persecution experienced by Roy and other MDC MPs.
There is still no word yet on the judgment regarding Roy's appeal that was heard over a month ago in the High Court. What possible explanation can there be for such a delay in a case that took only two hours to hear?
Justice delayed is justice denied!
Have you visited the Free Roy Bennett Website yet at www.freeroybennett.com? If not, please do so today. and don't forget the petition. Please make sure you have signed it either on paper (at JaG Offices) or on the website.
and thank you all for your continued support.
Best wishes
Free Roy Bennett
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