everyone for cameras to stop photos of us being taken. It is funny that even though we were the victims, we were being treated as criminals.”38 All nine of the PTUZ members sustained serious bruises to their bodies and were hospitalized for two days. Two of the PTUZ members showed visible marks to Human Rights Watch on their backs and buttocks two days after the incident. A medical doctor who treated the victims told Human Rights Watch that the severe bruising and marks on the victims’ bodies were consistent with beatings by blunt objects.39 Police response The alleged presence of police officers during the beatings calls into question the police’s stated adoption of a “zero tolerance” stance toward politically motivated violence. In response to the beatings, police spokesperson Wayne Bvudzijena was quoted in the state-run Herald newspaper as saying that the PTUZ members were injured during clashes with ZANU-PF supporters and that they had provoked the supporters by throwing flyers with provocative political messages; the PTUZ members and their lawyers deny this.40 According to lawyers representing the PTUZ, police accused the PTUZ members of contravening sections of the Criminal Law (Codification & Reform) Act outlawing the distribution of pamphlets, placards, etc. in public places and or buildings.41 Police informed the PTUZ members that they would be summoned to answer the charges at a later date.42 Later on the day of the attacks, police arrested two of the ZANU-PF supporters believed to have been responsible.43 At this writing, however, it was not clear what charges the police were bringing against these two, or whether police would arrest 38 Ibid. 39 Human Rights Watch interview with medical doctor (name withheld), Harare, February 23, 2008. 40 “Blitz on political violence nets 13,” The Herald. 41 Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, “Press statement on the assault of PTUZ members,” February 21, 2008. 42 Response of PTUZ members to question put by Human Rights Watch, PTUZ press conference, Harare, February 21, 2008. 43 “Blitz on political violence nets 13,” The Herald. All Over Again 20