62 NCA members arrested while demonstrating against lavish Mugabe birthday party

By Violet Gonda

23 February 2006

For the second time this week, police have arrested members of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) who were demonstrating against what they called the holding of Mugabe’s lavish birthday celebrations scheduled for Mutare this weekend.

The pressure group says about 100 activists were taking part in a peaceful demonstration when the riot police came to disrupt the march in Harare on Thursday.

The group alleges that at least 62 members of the NCA were shoved into four trucks, including one belonging to the city council around midday at the corner of First Street and Nelson Mandela Avenue. It’s reported that the activists had sat down when they saw the police approaching, fearing brutal attacks. They were immediately rounded up.

Those arrested are being held at the Harare Central Police Station.

NCA chairman Dr Madhuku warned of more demonstrations to come as they pile up pressure on the government.

On Tuesday, 43 NCA women were also arrested in Harare after riot police used brutal force to break up a peaceful march as Mugabe celebrated his 82nd birthday. The group said the demonstration was held on Mugabe’s birthday as a reminder that they are determined to push for a new constitution. The women were released Wednesday night without any charges.

The NCA says it will not be deterred by such intimidating tactics and will not get off the streets unless their goal is achieved. “We remain committed to a democratic constitution.”

There has been an outcry from several quarters over the lavish birthday bash being sponsored by the state for Robert Mugabe, amid worsening economic hardships in the country.

The NCA argues, “Instead of diverting billions of dollars to avert hunger and to jump start the economy, the regime decides to sponsor Mugabe’s 82nd birthday party in Mutare.”