HR violations double in Zimbabwe, say monitors

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Torture, assault, unlawful detention and other violations of human rights are increasing rapidly in Zimbabwe, according to a new report. The report, by the independent Human Rights Forum, highlighted the government crackdown on the country's political opposition. Monitors said they collected evidence documenting 5,307 human rights violations in the first six months of this year - nearly double the number during the same period a year ago, the report said. Meanwhile, the crackdown appears to be continuing. A pro-democracy group, Women of Zimbabwe Arise, reported Wednesday that 19 of its activists, both men and women, had been arrested the day before while playing netball in the southern town of Masvingo and were being held in police cells.