Those who try to expose and seek legal redress for such abuses, in particular human rights lawyers and activists, are themselves subjected to intimidation and harassment by the police and intelligence officers. These acts of intimidation and harassment take many forms, including attacks in the state media by officials, public statements by ministers vilifying the work of civil society organizations; and threatening phone calls and death threats made by unknown persons purporting to speak on behalf of the government. The authorities in Zimbabwe rarely investigate allegations of torture and other mistreatment. None of the allegations of violence, torture and mistreatment documented in this report have been investigated (although one investigation has been ordered by a judge). President Mugabe’s statements endorsing abusive law enforcement measures can but contribute to entrenching the culture of impunity that currently exists in Zimbabwe. The Government of Zimbabwe has an obligation to act now and uphold respect for basic freedoms and human rights in Zimbabwe. Human Rights Watch calls on the Zimbabwean authorities to end the use of arbitrary arrests and unlawful detentions; end the use of excessive force by the police; and immediately investigate all allegations of torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. Those found responsible for such acts should be brought to justice. Adequate redress should be provided for the victims of rights abuses. This report is based on a Human Rights Watch research mission to Harare, Zimbabwe, in September-October 2006. Human Rights Watch interviewed 35 persons including victims of and witnesses to human rights violations, medical experts who treated the victims, lawyers who represented the victims, human rights activists, members of local civil society organizations, student activists, and foreign diplomats. The names of some individuals have been omitted for reasons of security. “you will be thoroughly beaten” 2