August 2008
1-56432-370-6
“They Beat Me like a Dog”
Political Persecution of Opposition Activists and Supporters in Zimbabwe
Summary ................................................................................................................. 1
Background..............................................................................................................5
Ongoing Abuses by ZANU-PF and Government-Backed Militias and “War Veterans” 6
Government Ban on Humanitarian Assistance .....................................................7
Extrajudicial Killings Prior to the Presidential Runoff........................................... 9
Archiford Chipiyo – Son of MDC Councilor Philimon Chipiyo, Ward 19, Unit F,
Chitungwiza ................................................................................................. 9
Gibbs Chironga – MDC Councilor, Chiweshe ................................................ 10
Abigail Chiroto – Wife of MDC Councilor Emmanuel Chiroto, Harare ............. 13
Politically Motivated Arrests, Detentions and Police Harassment of MDC MPs.... 13
Ian Kay – MDC MP for Marondera Central Constituency ................................ 14
Eric Matinenga – MDC MP for Buhera South Constituency ............................ 15
Shepherd Mushonga – MDC MP for Mazowe Central Constituency ............... 16
Pineal Denga – MDC MP for Mbare Constituency, Harare.............................. 16
Attacks and Beatings ........................................................................................ 17
Harrison Mudzuri – MDC MP for Zaka Central Constituency .......................... 17
Ernest Jena – Lawyer Representing the MDC, Bindura................................... 17
Addressing Impunity.............................................................................................. 19