MDC to hold freedom marches in Mutare and Rusape

By Tichaona Sibanda
30 January 2008

Thousands of people in Manicaland are expected to participate in freedom marches scheduled for Mutare and Rusape on Friday, according to party officials.

Pishai Muchauraya, the spokesman for the MDC in the province said both marches have been given the green light by the police.

Last week police in Harare fired teargas and charged several hundred demonstrators who were demanding a democratic constitution, water, electricity and the right to draw money from banks without queueing.

‘The crackdown on our supporters was a political decision made by Zanu-PF so the police were following political instructions. Here we have gone through all the security checks and we will provide marshalls who will monitor the situation. We are a none violent party and this will be evident on Friday,’ he said.

Following last week’s crackdown the opposition had announced it would respond by stepping up protests. Muchauraya said it was their democratic right to demonstrate and tell the authorities that they have ruined the country.

‘This is going to be a test for the ruling party. After amendments to POSA and AIPPA we can have as many rallies and protests without interference, but this is what Zanu-PF doesn’t want and we know it,’ he said.