16 As can be seen from the Table above, the vast majority of the violence recorded from the cases seen by the Trust is alleged to be at the hands of Zanu (PF) supporters, but a distressingly large percentage (24%) is alleged to have occurred at the hands of the ZRP or the CIO. The ZNA do not appear to be implicated in any significant numbers. Violence was common in all these bye-elections, and it was evident from the cases seen by the AMANI Trust that very few were the product of what might be termed “political violence”; that is, violent clashes between supporters of rival political parties. Most conformed to the definition of torture contained in United Nations Convention Against Torture. In this definition, torture is defined by the following: 1. Severe pain and suffering, whether physical or mental; 2. Intentionally inflicted; 3. With a purpose; 4. By a state official or another acting with the acquiescence of the State. According to the statements given and the medical examinations undertaken, there was clear evidence of severe pain and suffering, both physical and psychological, accompanying the injuries. The statements taken confirm that these injuries were deliberately inflicted with the purpose of influencing the victims to not support another political party, or, most frequently, to merely terrorise them. In 87% of the cases, the perpetrators were Zanu (PF) supporters, “war veteran” militia, CIO and the ZRP, with Zanu (PF) supporters being in the vast majority. It may seem far-fetched to argue that Zanu (PF) supporters are either state officials or acting with the acquiescence of the State, but it is the case that there have been a very large number of statements by Government Ministers and senior Zanu (PF) officials openly expressing support for the actions of their supporters. There were also many statements that can only be seen as encouragement for violence, and an equally large number of statements that were overt hate speech or racism. There were some statements repudiating violence, but these were not translated into firm policy on the part of the police, and, as is seen from the cases reported, far too many cases in which the police or the CIO were themselves implicated in violence and torture. It is thus not too difficult to conclude that these actions were carried out with the acquiescence of the State, and that therefore all 4 components of the definition of torture are fulfilled in virtually all cases. As will be seen from the Table below, torture was the most common human rights violation. Types of human rights violations in cases seen41. Physical torture Psychological torture Abductions Deaths 85% 20% 20% 1% There were reports of previously identified perpetrators being involved. This was clearly related to the amnesty of October 2000. In Chikomba, for example, a number of perpetrators were identified during the 2000 General Election. The most notorious of these was the deceased MP for Chikomba, Dr Chenjerai Hitler Hunzvi. Not only had Dr Hunzvi been mentioned by victims from Chikomba constituency, but he was also mentioned in connection with torture in Budiriro. Dr Hunzvi was directly implicated in the torture that took place in Bikita West, and this was torture 41 The percentages reported do are the result of overlapping categories. For example, a victim may have been abducted and tortured. Additionally, the percentage of psychological torture is obviously low, but represents cases were no physical torture occurred. In general, it is extremely rare for victims who have been physically tortured not to have been psychologically tortured too. AMANI TRUST: Organised Violence and Torture in the Bye-Elections held in Zimbabwe during 2000 and 2001.