date: 21 September 2006

embargo: 00:01 hrs Friday 22 September 2006

protest at Zimbabwe embassy against beatings of trade unionists

The TUC will be protesting outside the Republic of Zimbabwe embassy in London at 1pm today (Friday) as part of an international union day of action against the beating and imprisonment of trade union members in Zimbabwe last week.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'Trade unions are the only democratic institutions left in Zimbabwe and that has made them a target for brutal repression. Working people in Zimbabwe should have the right to come together and to speak out against poverty and unemployment. Today we are adding our voices to those of trade union members all over the world calling on the Zimbabwe Government to stop attacking trade unions, drop the criminal charges against their leaders and punish those responsible for assaulting them.'

The demonstration takes place in front of the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe at 1pm on Friday 22 September 2006, 429 The Strand, London WC2R 0JR.

Background

On 13 September 2006, the Zimbabwean Police arrested and assaulted hundreds of trades unionists, following peaceful protests by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trades Unions (ZCTU) over the state of the economy and food shortages.

The arrested union activists and officials were initially held in detention for days without access to medical attention or legal representatives. They were also subject to brutal assaults by the police. Wellington Chibebe (ZCTU General Secretary) and several other union leaders sustained such serious injuries that have been hospitalised.

Last week's brutal crackdown is the latest in a series of attacks on trade unionists and human rights activists by the police in Zimbabwe, who routinely disrupt trade union activities. The ZCTU, which plays a pivotal role in organising civic opposition to President Mugabe's mismanagement of the economy and repression of human rights, has become the prime target of the Government's onslaught.

The arrested trades unionists released on bail last week must appear in court on 3 October 2006, facing criminal charges. The TUC demands that all charges against them be dropped and that trades unionists in Zimbabwe should be allowed to exercise their democratic rights without interference from the state.

Contacts:

Media enquiries: Ben Hurley T: 020 7467 1248; M: 07881 622416 ; E: bhurley@tuc.org.uk
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248; M: 07778 158175; E: media@tuc.org.uk

Press release (400 words) issued 22 Sep 2006