High Court Grants Bail to Zimbabwean Activists
In a significant development, the High Court of Zimbabwe, presided over by Justice Benjamin Chikowero, has granted bail to three human rights activists, Samuel Gwenzi, Namatai Kwekweza, and Robson Chere, ending their 35-day pre-trial detention.
The activists were required to deposit the equivalent of US$150 in Zimbabwean currency as part of their bail conditions. They must also report to the authorities on the last Friday of every month, refrain from interfering with state witnesses, and reside at the addresses they provided to the court.
The trio, along with sound engineer Vusumuzi Moyo, were forcibly removed from a plane at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on July 31, 2024. They were reportedly tortured for several hours before being handed over to the police. Their initial plea for bail was denied by the Magistrate's Court, resulting in over a month of imprisonment without a full trial.
Pro-democracy Activists Dragged From Plane at Harare Airport
The activists were arrested while on their way to attend the African Philanthropy Conference in Victoria Falls.
High Court Grants Bail to Zimbabwean Activists
Chere, in particular, suffered severe torture in police detention and was denied medical attention for his life-threatening injuries.
They were charged with planning disorderly conduct in a public place, a charge reminiscent of colonial-era policing tactics. This crackdown on civil society and opposition activists occurred ahead of the Southern African Development Community summit in Harare.
Represented by the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, the activists were finally released on bail. Their bail conditions include:
- Depositing US$150 or its equivalent in Zimbabwean currency
- Reporting to the police every last Friday of the month
- Not interfering with state witnesses
- Residing at the given residential addresses
The activists were initially detained for allegedly protesting at the Harare Magistrates Court on June 27, demanding the release of jailed opposition leader Jameson Timba and 77 other Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) members.
