The MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has challenged government to release the more than 700 protesters arrested in connection with the violent protests that broke out in Harare and other parts of the country last week.
In a statement to the media today, Chamisa said dialogue must begin with the restoration of the rule of law as a guide to the respect of human rights.
“Going forward, we must correct wrongs now. We call for an immediate end to the crackdown and terror that has induced insecurity across the country. We call for the unconditional release of all prisoners of conscience and political detainees whose rights continue to be violated. No nation can make progress without the rule of law and peace.
“Zimbabwe cannot be open for anything without being open to its citizens’ concerns. In order to dialogue, one’s tongue must be free to talk. The tongues of the nation are tied in jails and many others by fear. This must end,” Chamisa said.
The former Kuwadzana East legislator added that the dialogue called by Mnangagwa must be anchored on ‘sincerity, honesty and compassion.’
He described as regrettable, that his calls for engagement to resolve the economic crisis gripping the country were only heeded after the death of people, something he believed could have been avoided.
“Our solution to the crisis requires sincerity, honesty and compassion for those we lead. It is not about lofty words or wordplay unsupported by conduct on the ground.
