II. Recommendations To the Government of Zimbabwe • Take all necessary steps to ensure that the police, armed forces, and other security forces in Zimbabwe abide by Zimbabwe’s obligations under international law, including respect for the rights to freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention, and from torture and other mistreatment. • Acknowledge and condemn excessive use of force on the part of police and other security officials during demonstrations that have taken place in the past year. • In accordance with the Zimbabwean constitution, ensure that all persons taken into custody are brought before a judge within 48 hours and have the right of access to family members and legal counsel, in addition to other due process rights. • Publicly condemn the use of torture and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment by police officers and other law enforcement agencies, including through a public information campaign to increase awareness that torture is forbidden under Zimbabwean and international law. • Conduct independent investigations into all allegations of arbitrary arrest and detention, excessive use of force, and torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment by police and intelligence officials. All those who are implicated in such abuses, whatever their rank, should be disciplined or prosecuted as appropriate. • Establish an independent civilian police body to investigate complaints against the Zimbabwe Republic Police. 3 Human rights watch November 2006