Activists slam Zambian arrests

2007-07-12 20:05

Cape Town - The arrest of two health activists for taking part in protests about a health sector strike in Zambia violates freedom of expression in the country, Southern African rights organisations said on Thursday.

The Aids and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa (Arasa) and the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) issued a joint statement condemning Zambian police for the arrest of Treatment Literacy and Advocacy (Talc) members Clementine Mumba and Paul Kasonkomona.

Mumba and Kasonkoma were arrested after they demonstrated in front of the Zambian parliament in solidarity with striking health workers.

Arasa and TAC said there was a two-week-old strike of key medical staff over outstanding housing allowances.

Director of Arasa, Michaela Clayton said the arrests were "unacceptable" and needed a full investigation by Zambian authorities.

"The right to free expression and public assembly are fundamental human rights in democracies," she said.

Both Arasa and TAC also called on Zambian president Levy Mwanawasa to address the strikers' demands and end the strike.

They said, "Ensuring that the men and women now working in health systems in the region are fairly remunerated for their important work is vital to retaining personnel and lifting morale among staff."

- SAPA