Lawyers initiate campaign to protect threatened Bishop

By Tererai Karimakwenda
28 June 2006

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) released a statement on Wednesday urging Zimbabweans to contact government authorities appealing for the safety of Methodist Bishop Levee Kadenge, who was threatened by a state security agent last week. Kadenge received threats on the telephone last Thursday after he spoke at a meeting of religious leaders trying to map the way forward regarding The National Day of Prayer which was held the following Sunday. The church leaders were divided about the involvement of Robert Mugabe, who made a politically charged speech at the event. Many of those who opposed government participation say they have received threats from state security agents since. The Lawyers group is urging Zimbabweans to contact ministries that are supposed to protect the people and appeal to them to perform their duty. Lawyer Otto Saki told us the days of silence are gone and Zimbabweans must now speak out and hold the authorities accountable. The aim of their campaign is to secure the safety of all Zimbabweans, including government critics, by lobbying the relevant authorities.
Saki said the Lawyers had identified key government departments which should be targeted and they are the ministry of Home Affairs, the Justice ministry, the Police Commissioner, the Central Intelligence Organisation and the Attorney General. He explained that individuals within these institutions have been excusing their actions hiding behind the veil of “following orders” from their superiors. Saki said it is time to hold them accountable and let them know they will be prosecuted for the role they play. The Lawyers are providing people with contact information for the various government departments and hope Zimbabweans take some action. Saki said we have to begin to rely on ourselves to change things in our own country.
A full statement from The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) regarding Bishop Kadenge and the campaign to protect all Zimbabweans can be found on our website at www.swradioafrica.com