2007 'worst year ever' for Zim
2008-03-12 07:19
Special Report
Zimbabwe's Roy Bennett has pleaded not guilty to terrorism charges in a trial that has raised tensions in the country's unity government.
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe says he doesn't expect the US sanctions on his country to be lifted soon.
Washington - Last year was the worst ever for human rights in Zimbabwe, where President Robert Mugabe's government stepped up its assault on dissenters as well as ordinary citizens, the United States State Department said on Tuesday.
More than 8 000 instances of human rights abuse were recorded in Zimbabwe and at least 1 600 unlawful arrests and detentions, the annual US report on human rights around the world said.
It said: "The year 2007 was the worst year yet for human rights defenders in Zimbabwe."
"Security forces harassed, beat and arbitrarily arrested opposition supporters and critics within human rights non-governmental organisations, the media and organised labour, as well as ordinary citizens," said the document.
Human rights groups reported more physical and psychological torture by security agents and government supporters.
"Victims reported beatings with whips and cables, suspension and electric shock," said the State Department.
It said the abuses increased despite efforts by regional leaders to resolve the ongoing crisis in Zimbabwe, where Mugabe, 83, had blamed a ruined economy on sabotage by political opponents. He had been in power since independence from Britain in 1980.
- Reuters