In Harare a judge revoked the bail of 18 Zimbabwean human rights and political activists 2 months after they had been conditionally released. Among these activists is Jestina Mukoko, Director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project. The activists are accused of trying to topple the Mugabe regime. The activists will now have to re-apply for bail.

The case first came under international attention when many of these activists were arrested and subsequently disappeared in December 2008. It was only in January that all were located as they were brought before the Harare Court. They all have credible claims of torture during their detention. The trumped up charges of terrorism and banditry suggest political motives behind the arrests. The combination of these factors heightens the risk of further torture and possible disappearance of these activists.

ediec.org