The Trotskyist Fraction- Fourth International condemns the arrest of the militants and activists at the meeting of the International Socialist Organisation (ISO), Zimbabwe, a sister organisation of the SWP (Great Britain). We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested and charged with treason and “subverting a constitutionally elected government” and planning to “organise, strategise and implement the removal of the constitutional government of Zimbabwe… the Egyptian way”, in a Harare court yesterday by the Mugabe government.

The arrest of 52 militants and activist took place on Saturday 19th Februay, following a raid on a meeting to discuss the implications of the Egyptian Revolution for Zimbabwe inspired by the revolutionary events in the Middle East and North Africa that was organised by the International Socialist Organisation. Police seized DVDs, video equipment and a laptop, which they said had been used by the organisers to show videos of protests in North Africa. Those arrested include human rights, trade union and student activists together with the former Movement for Democratic Change MP, Munyaradzi Gwisai.

Should they be found guilty of treason they face very serious charges, up to the death penalty. At the same time we condemn the fact that all the detainees have been denied access to medical treatment, lawyers and proper meals. Some of them are seriously injured and some are HIV positive and in need of their life-saving medicine.

We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested!

Trotskyist Fraction- Fourth International