An action of love for Zimbabwe this Valentine’s Day

Jenni Williams, co-leader of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), was arrested on Valentine's Day three years ago for handing out roses to the public and marching down the streets of Zimbabwe with a banner proclaiming "The power of love can conquer the love of power."

This Valentine's Day, the fear of arrest will not stop Jenni and her organisation from marching again, in WOZA's seventh annual Valentine's March to peacefully protest for improved human rights in Zimbabwe.

Here in New Zealand, as we express devotion to our loved ones, Amnesty International is raising awareness for the courageous women of WOZA who have tirelessly expressed love for their country.

"Such peaceful protest should be met with respect but instead state-sponsored intimidation, unlawful arrests, ill-treatment and torture has greeted these actions, says Margaret Taylor, Amnesty's Activism Support Manager.

"Which is why Amnesty is calling on Kiwis to send messages of support to WOZA, and a Valentine's Day card to Robert Mugabe with a message that love is the answer to Zimbabwe's human rights woes," Taylor adds.

"The confirmation of a new power-sharing government provides the Zimbabwean authorities with the perfect opportunity to address the catastrophic social and economic conditions the country has fallen into because of political violence. WOZA's action this weekend is likely to be an early test for it."

"Messages from Kiwis will alert the Zimbabwean government to the fact that human rights must be at the top of this new administration's agenda," says Taylor.

For details on what Amnesty International is asking Kiwis to do visit www.amnesty.org.nz

Background
WOZA was formed in 2003 to defend human rights amidst the political violence in Zimbabwe perpetrated by the ruling Zanu-PF Government and its agents.

Since its formation, WOZA activists have been repeatedly arrested, abducted, harassed, tortured and killed in the Zanu-PF Government’s attempts to suppress dissenting voices.

WOZA leaders Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu were released on bail on 6 November 2008 following their arrest (16 October 2008). They were arrested for leading a peaceful protest demanding immediate access to much needed food aid in Zimbabwe. About 200 people took part in the protest which was broken up by police using excessive force.

On 3 November 2008 Amnesty International in Germany awarded their Human Rights Award to WOZA for their tireless human rights campaigning.

ENDS

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