14 May 2009
The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (the Forum) is deeply disturbed by today’s arrest of Alec Muchadehama, a prominent human rights lawyer who has represented many human rights defenders and political activists over the years. Muchadehama was arrested by officers of the Law and Order Section of the Zimbabwe Republic Police at the Rotten Row Magistrates Court on allegations of obstructing the course of justice. He is currently being held at Harare Police Station and it is reported that the infamous Dowa is investigating the matter. It is alleged that Muchadehama connived with a Clerk at the High Court to secure the 17 April 2009 “unlawful release” on bail of Andrison Manyere and Gandhi Mudzingwa.
The Forum calls upon the Ministers of Home Affairs, Police Commissioner General and the Inclusive Government as a whole, to take all administrative measures necessary to ensure that Muchadehama is released forthwith or brought before a Court of Law within the confines of the law.
