Act now to protect arrested trades unionists in Zimbabwe

On Wednesday 13 September 2006, an estimated 400 trades unionists were rounded up by police in Zimbabwe, including Wellington Chibebe, Lovemore Matombo and Lucia Matibenga, (the General Secretary, President and Vice President of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions). The arrests came as union members assembled to protest over the economic crisis in Harare and other cities.

The three leaders and many other activists and officials have been severely beaten up by the police. They are still held in detention and it is reported that they have been refused medical attention and access to their solicitors. They are expected to appear in court today (15 September 2006) and may face charges under the Public Order and Security Act (POSA).

You can read more about the situation at the BBC news website, and listen directly to a phone interview with Wellington Chibebe from police custody.

The TUC has sent a letter of protest to President Mugabe, calling for their immediate and unconditional release. The ICFTU also has written to the President in similar terms.

Please help now by sending a fax, email or letter of protest to the President's Office, and to Zimbabwe's embassy in London.

• Please write in your own words, either as an individual, or collectively with any group you are a member of. You can find the TUC's letter here if you would like a model to use.
• Fax your letter to Zimbabwe on 002634703858. The President is Robert Mugabe, and is addressed as 'your Excellency'.
• Fax a copy to the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in London on 02073791167. You can also send it to zimlondon@yahoo.co.uk or Zimbabwe House, 429 Strand, London, WC2R 0QE. The Ambassador is Mr Gabriel Mharadze Machinga.

Time is crucial, so please send your message as soon as possible.

Case studies and projects (400 words) issued 15 Sep 2006