Overall, it is also evident that much the same pattern is seen for torture as was
observed in respect of summary and extra-judicial executions. There is a steady
rise up to the Presidential Election in March 2002, and the number of cases
observed during the election period rockets upwards. Subsequently, it can be
observed from Figure 5 that small peaks are seen during the MDC stay away in
March 2003, the ZCTU mass action in April 2003, the MDC “final push” in June
2003, and the various events in October 2003 [see above].
So it seems evident that there is a relationship between the prevalence of torture
and summary executions/extra-judicial killings. Furthermore, the extent of reports
of torture gives further support to the view that there is a systematic campaign of
violence against particular groups in Zimbabwe. This view is further bolstered by
all the evidence showing the involvement of State agents in the perpetration of
gross human rights violations, and especially torture.
Figure 5.
Torture
700
600
400
300
200
100
0
Ju
lAu 01
g0
Se 1
p0
O 1
ct
-0
N 1
ov
-0
D 1
ec
-0
Ja 1
n0
Fe 2
b0
M 2
ar
-0
Ap 2
rM 02
ay
-0
Ju 2
n0
Ju 2
lAu 02
gSe 02
p0
O 2
ct
N 02
ov
-0
D 2
ec
-0
Ja 2
n0
Fe 3
b0
M 3
ar
-0
Ap 3
rM 03
ay
-0
Ju 3
n0
Ju 3
lAu 03
g0
Se 3
p0
O 3
ct
No 03
v0
De 3
c03
Number of reports
500
Month & year
24
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