By Viba Haurovi
The Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) has condemned what it termed the continued criminalization of student activism and victimisation of students seeking to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights.
Five University of Zimbabwe students were arrested last month following a protest over the continued pre-trial incarceration of opposition legislator, Job Sikhala.
In an interview, ZINASU President Borris Tadiwanashe Muguti condemned the arrest of the five students and called for their immediate release.
He bemoaned the continued abuse of the judiciary to persecute students and other dissenting voices.
“It’s sad we are living in a period in which student activism has been criminalized. This is a confirmation that we are dealing with a captured judiciary system which does not serve its mandate. The judiciary system is working in cahoots with the regime in Harare to persecute those who speak on behalf of the people. Our legal team is working tirelessly to push for the release of our comrades and we remain hopeful that they will be released soon” said Muguti.
The arrested students are being represented by the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum and the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR).
