Congress Slams Attack on Zimbabwean Trade Unions
25 Jun 2008
Congress today (June 25) strongly condemned the official campaign of harassment and intimidation aimed at the Zimbabwean trade union movement and said the Irish government must be more vocal in its support for human rights in Zimbabwe.
This follows the postponement until July of the trial of Zimbabwe's most senior union leaders, on charges of spreading "falsehoods prejudicial to the state."
The president and general secretary of the Zimbabwe's Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) - Lovemore Matombo and Wellington Chibebe - were arrested last month following speeches they made at a May Day rally, which contained criticisms of the Mugabe government.
Their trial was originally due to start on June 23, but has now been postponed until July 30. Bail conditions for the two men stipulate that they cannot speak in public or attend public meetings.
Congress General Secretary David Begg said that with the arrest and charging of the two union leaders, the Mugabe government was "just one step away from staging show trials of opponents and critics. This is but the latest manifestation of a desperate regime that will stoop to any depths and go to any lengths to cling to power. As a last resort, they have turned on Zimbabwe's citizens and their democratic, representative bodies."
Mr Begg pointed out that on June 9 so called 'war veterans' had attacked the offices of the Progressive Teachers' Union of Zimbabwe and assaulted union leaders.
"Trade unions across Europe and the world have spoken out against this illegitimate regime and we are adding our voice to the calls for free elections," Mr Begg said.
"I believe that at a time such as this, it is incumbent on the Irish government to be more vocal and more supportive of basic human rights in Zimbabwe, particularly trade union rights. Central to this, is the right of the ZCTU to represent and speak out freely on behalf of its members."
Ends