Yet another African country is surrounded with strife. Most recently in Zimbabwe, 46 political and civil society activists were arrested and charged with treason. The Movement for Democratic Change members that were arrested had initially gathered peacefully to discuss recent events in Egypt. Prosecutor Edmore Nyazamba said the purpose of the activists' meeting was to watch the footage of the protests in Tunisia and Egypt and to organize, strategize, and impolement the removal of a constitutional government of Zimbabwe by unconstitutional ways, the Tunisian-Egytian way. The arrests may be an indication that authorities are worried that the changes sweeping across north Africa may inspire Zimbabweans to rise up.
The United States expressed concerned with this situation when reports were released that the activists arrested were tortured while in custody. At least 12 of the activists were beaten with broomsticks on their buttocks and the soles of their feet, defense attorney Alec Muchadehama stated. All 46 defendants were charged with treason, a charge that carries a death sentence in Zimbabwe.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/03/zimbabwe.torture.us/index.html
-Kristine Zizis
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