Double standards over torture

2004-05-05 14:35

Cape Town - Freedom Front Plus leader Dr Pieter Mulder on Wednesday accused government of double standards when it comes to the issue of torture around the world.

The FF Plus supported Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad's condemnation of the alleged torture and humiliation of Iraqi prisoners by American and British soldiers.

In the so-called war against terrorism actions such as these were like pouring oil on the fire of extremist Muslim groups, and confirmed the ignorance of the United States regarding the handling of terrorism.

However, South Africans "are sick and tired of double standards".

"For what reason did Deputy Minister Pahad at the same time not condemn the torture and maltreatment of 70 South African citizens in Zimbabwean jails?

"Shocking evidence of poor treatment of South African citizens in Zimbabwean jails was published during the last couple of weeks," he said.

These South African citizens were still awaiting trail and should therefore be regarded as not guilty.

Pahad and government's silence and lack of action sent a clear message of double standards regarding Zimbabwe.

When Robert McBride was imprisoned in 1999 for alleged arms trafficking and espionage in Mozambique the government did everything in its power to assist him.

"For what reason is government now acting differently?" Mulder asked.

- SAPA