On Wednesday 26th June 2002, the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum marked the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture with a meeting on “Torture and the International Criminal Court with a focus on Zimbabwe”.

Petitioners queued to sign a letter from The Law Society to President Robert Mugabe. The petition was to express shock and dismay at the arrest on 3rd June 2002 of the President of the Law Society of Zimbabwe, Sternford Moyo and its Executive Secretary, Wilbert Mapombere, for alleged possession of “subversive” documents.

The event was held at The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2, United Kingdom

The evening was chaired by Michael Birnbaum QC Bar Human Rights Committee, Bar Council of England and Wales.

Patson Muzuwa, a motor mechanic and multiple torture victim spoke about his personal experience in Zimbabwe, his escape to Britain and his successful political asylum application. Tony Reeler, Clinical Director from Amani Trust spoke about the extent of torture in Zimbabwe and rehabilitation work. On 25th June 2002, Tony was presented in America with the Eclipse 2002 prize by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

Other speakers included Albert Muzarurwa from Legal Resources Foundation in Zimbabwe, Lucy Winskell from International Human Rights Committee, Michael Ellman from Federation Internationale des Ligues des Droits de l’Homme and Steven Powles Bar Human Rights Committee.

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Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum Website
Law Society Website