MEDIA RELEASE
STATEMENT FOLLOWING DEMONSTRATIONS BY THE MDC ALLIANCE ON 1
AUGUST 2018
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC/Commission) joins the nation and
other peace loving Zimbabweans in condemning, in the strongest sense, the use of
live ammunition and excessive force on unarmed protesting citizens by the army on 1
August 2018. Regrettably, we understand there was unnecessary loss of lives. Whilst
the Commission does not in any way support violence, hooliganism and vandalism by
the protesters, we believe that there are better ways of managing protests without
impacting on the citizens right to life, which must be jealously guarded by all State
institutions at all times. The ZHRC urges that the army be only deployed when
necessary for maintenance of law and order and in strict compliance with the relevant
legal provisions and internationally accepted standards including restrictions on the
use of live ammunition against protesters.
Further, we call upon political leaders and related stakeholders to exercise restraint
and call upon their followers to respect peace and avoid violating the rights of others.
The Commission wishes to express its sincere condolences to the families of the
deceased and equally wishes the injured a speedy recovery.
Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission
Offices: 144 Samora Machel Ave
Harare
49 JNM Nkomo Street (between 3rd and 4th Avenues)
Bulawayo
Website: www.zhrc.org.zw
Email: info@zhrc.org.zw
ZHRC Toll Free line is 08080245
Telephone Numbers
Harare Office (04)703 617, 700705, 700710, Bulawayo Office (09) 64170-3
Mobile Hotline Numbers
0771 838 654/ 0771 838 655/ 0771 838 656