26 January 2000 – for immediate release ZANZIBAR TREASON TRIALS CHALLENGED BY INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS GROUP As the politically-motivated treason trial of 18 members of the Civic United Front (CUF) resumes in Zanzibar on Thursday 27 January, ARTICLE 19, The International Centre Against Censorship, adds its voice to those calling for the immediate and unconditional release […]
26 January 2000 – for immediate release
ZANZIBAR TREASON TRIALS CHALLENGED BY INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS GROUP
As the politically-motivated treason trial of 18 members of the Civic United Front (CUF) resumes in Zanzibar on Thursday 27 January, ARTICLE 19, The International Centre Against Censorship, adds its voice to those calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the defendants and an end to official harassment against the political opposition.1
A court hearing of this case last week saw a heavy police crackdown against demonstrators, with at least 40 people arrested. There were also house-to-house searches for others, including raids on the homes of CUF public office holders. ARTICLE 19 today cautioned that international efforts to end the long-running political crisis before this year’s elections will fail unless the authorities change their approach.
Andrew Puddephatt, Executive Director of ARTICLE 19 said:
“The Attorney-General of Zanzibar has had over two years to investigate the alleged offences of these CUF members and prepare the case against them. Instead, the authorities have repeatedly requested adjournments. It is becoming obvious that the government is spinning out the trial process in order to deny the accused, who include four members of the House of Representatives, the right to participate in the general elections in October.”
The trial arises out of the CUF’s initial refusal to recognise the results of the very closely contested 1995 elections in Zanzibar – elections which were also questioned internationally. To break the political deadlock which resulted, the Commonwealth brokered discussions which led to an agreement in April 1999. Under the terms of the agreement, the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and CUF agreed to work out a process of reforms which would build respect for human rights and lay the groundwork for elections in 2000 where the outcome was recognised and respected by all parties. To date, progress on the terms has been slow.
Mr Puddephatt added:
“It is urgent that diplomatic efforts are intensified to ensure rapid implementation of the reform process. Essential steps towards this are an end to these politically-motivated trials, and recognition by the authorities that citizens have a right to freedom of association and peaceful protest.”
ARTICLE 19 is also calling for reform of the Constitution and archaic laws which restrict freedom of expression as part of a wider package of measures to ensure that Zanzibar fully upholds its obligations under international law.
Contact: Rotimi Sankore on +44 20 7278 9292 or press@article19.org
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. Amnesty International is publishing a report on these trials today. See www.amnesty.org.
