June 4, 2008
No. 134
The Honourable David Emerson, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, today issued the following statement condemning the recent arrests of opposition leaders in Zimbabwe:
"Canada condemns today's temporary detention of Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai. This trend in government-sponsored harassment, including the arrest last weekend of another opposition leader, Arthur Mutambara, severely jeopardizes the conditions needed for credible elections.
"Canada is alarmed by the campaign of political intimidation, human rights violations and politically motivated violence, which has intensified since the March 29 elections. We are appalled by the reports of torture and extrajudicial killings committed, overwhelmingly, by state security and paramilitary groups. We call on the Government of Zimbabwe to protect its citizens from all forms of intimidation and violence. Furthermore, we reiterate our call to the government to stop using the coercive powers of the state for political ends.
"Zimbabweans deserve an open and transparent election process monitored by international observers. It must be a process in which all parties can campaign and citizens can exercise their political rights without fear of persecution or retribution. Canada strongly urges the Government of Zimbabwe to respect freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law by allowing Zimbabweans to participate freely in the upcoming runoff election."
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
