American ambassador to Zimbabwe condemns abuse of rights

By Violet Gonda and Tererai Karimakwenda
14 March 2007

The American Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Christopher Dell, has spoken strongly against the recent actions by the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the government of Robert Mugabe. Ambassador Dell was at the Rotten Row Court House on Tuesday where he witnessed the injuries suffered by MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai and the opposition officials and civic leaders who were severely assaulted in police custody. Dell was also present when police defied an order from the attorney general ordering them to bring those who needed medical attention to the hospital. He described the situation at the courthouse as pandemonium and said it was very revealing of the state of disarray, chaos and “frankly near-anarchy” that Zimbabwe has become.

The Ambassador said despite waiting about three hours in court the detainees moral was high. He observed that MDC president Morgan Tsvangirai behaved like a true leader, at one point refusing to be taken for medical treatment unless the whole group were afforded the same privilege. Dell also described Tsvangirai as being very lucid, even though he looked badly injured with a skull fracture.

As for the atmosphere in Harare, Ambassador Dell said there was obvious tension because the police were threatening civilians. He described how they were even physically assaulting any small groups seen on the streets. As a result he said people were afraid to talk to each other. But Dell also said there is a new air of defiance that has developed.

Regarding the issue of targeted sanctions, Ambassador Dell said: “I think you will see further moves on the targeted sanctions front.”

The full interview with Ambassador Dell will be aired on the programme Hot Seat next Tuesday.