Archbishop’s appeal for anti-Mugabe rebellion praised.
Elections condemned as “rigged” and “not free, not fair”.
London – 31 March 2005
Zimbabwean exiles and UK supporters – including human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell – urged “a general strike and people’s uprising to overthrow President Mugabe’s tyranny”, today Thursday 31 March 2005.
The were protesting outside the Zimbabwe High Commission in London, coinciding with today’s elections in Zimbabwe, which they condemn as “rigged” by Mugabe’s party, Zanu-PF. They say the elections are “not free, not fair”.
The exiles are backing calls by the Catholic Archbishop of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Pius Ncube, who has urged a Ukraine-style “non-violent popular uprising” to bring down Mugabe and secure democracy and human rights.
They are urging the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions to call a general strike to topple Mugabe, and are appealing for mass street protests.
One of the exiled Zimbabwean protestors, Violet, who fled Mugabe’s dictatorship, said: “Mugabe has rigged the elections. What we need now is for the people of Zimbabwe to rise up in mass protests to bring down his regime.”
Peter Tatchell, of the gay rights group OutRage!, joined the protest. He said:
“While I normally have little sympathy for the Catholic Church, the Archbishop of Bulawayo has taken a courageous, defiant stand against Mugabe. His call for a non-violent rebellion deserves international support and solidarity.
“Ncube is risking his liberty and life to challenge Mugabe’s misrule. I salute his bravery. He is heroic.
“The electoral strategy of the main Zimbabwean opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change, has been thwarted. The Archbishop is right. The only way to end Mugabe’s dictatorship is by a Ukraine-style ‘people power’ uprising”, said Mr Tatchell.
The protestors, supported by members of the gay human rights group OutRage!, waved Zimbabwean flags and held aloft placards with the slogans:
“General Strike to Topple Killer Mugabe”
“Forward to Freedom in Zimbabwe – People’s Revolution Now!”
“Power to the People! Rise up and overthrow Mugabe!”
“Victory to People Power – Overthrow Mugabe!”
Photos – click here for free use OutRage! photos of the protest:
http://www.outrage.org.uk/imagezoom.asp?file=ZimElect1_edited
http://www.outrage.org.uk/imagezoom.asp?file=ZimElect2_edited
http://www.outrage.org.uk/imagezoom.asp?file=ZimElect3_edited
http://www.outrage.org.uk/imagezoom.asp?file=ZimElect4_edited