17 September Freedom of Expression A NERA demonstration planned for Mutare city failed to take place due to heavy police presence and the arrest of MP for Mutasa Central, Trevor Saruwaka, who was accused of being the mastermind. Saruwaka was released after paying $250 bail. 24 September Freedom of Assembly ZINASU President, Alista Pfunye, and 18 other student activists were arrested and detained at Penhalonga Police Station after police officers interrupted their meeting at Forestry Training Centre in Mutare. The police used force and water cannons to disrupt the national council meeting as they suspected that the students were planning a demonstration. The students were released after a few days. Mashonaland Central There were a number of cases where people were victimized for attending a ZimPF rally and most of these cases were perpetrated by Zanu PF youths. Partisan distribution of food is still rife in the province. In other areas the food for work programme has also been politicized. Date HR Violated Provincial highlights 5 September Freedom of Assembly and Association Tonderai Samhu, provincial MCD-T youth chairperson and Elisha Benjamin, Mazowe district MDC-T secretary, expelled a youth organiser and a member of the MDC-T women’s assembly from the party structures. It is alleged that the two were expelled for attending a ZimPF rally in Bindura on 3 September. The party is now experiencing divisions following this incident as some members disagreed with the decision to expel the two citing that talks of a coalition were at an advanced stage so party members need to exercise tolerance. The incident happened in Mazowe North. 16 September Freedom of Association At a burial in Mazowe West, Peter Muswaka, Zanu PF District Chairperson who addressed the gathering is alleged to have said everyone should be shortlisted in Zanu PF ward books in order to be given food aid. He also threatened opposition activists with loss of residential stands. Zanu PF youths were instructed to take note of all opposition supporters. 27 September Freedom of Minister of State in the Office of the Vice President and Mazowe Central Member of Parliament, Tabeth Kanengoni Malinga, was invited to Kanhukamwe and Musarara Primary Schools in Chiweshe as guest of honour. While making a 15