Tafadzwa Mugwadi: Zimbabwe

Status:
Arrested on September 22, 2010, currently released.

Activism:
President of the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU). On September 22, 2010, Mugwadi was arrested after responding to summons related to street wall writing done by a student group, protesting education problems in the country. According to an article released on September 9th, 2010 by ZimDaily an independent news source in Zimbabwe, before his arrest Mugwadi was residing in an undisclosed location while evading police custody. His home in Glen Norah was reportedly invaded by by police and plain clothed men. This comes in response to “defamatory utterances” that were made by the ZINASU President on ZTV’s Hot Seat program on the 7th.

Current Situation in Country:
The Media Release issued by ZINASU on September 22, stated that Mugwadi was being held at Harare Central Police Station by the Law and Order Unit. The writing by the students which led to his arrest included slogans such as “education is not for sale” and “ZINASU Lives.” The men who investigated his home were angry at his remarks made regarding the ZRP as a violent arm of the state because of its well known hostility to young activists and students working for democracy in the country. He has vowed to continue his work and activism, despite intimidation, as his responsibility to the students of Zimbabwe.

More Information:
http://www.zimtelegraph.com/?p=6696
http://www.zimdaily.com/beta/news276734.html

Suggestions for Action:
Join with the ZINASU in condemning the hostile attitude by the security forces, demand respect for Tafadzwa's right to free expression and opinion: call upon the Co-Ministers of Home Affairs to stop persecution of student activists.

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