Progressio condemns targeting of church organisation in Zimbabwe Raid

Riot police arrest staff and raid office of Zimbabwe Christian Alliance

Staff at the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance (ZCA), were this week arrested following a raid on their offices in Harare by Zimbabwe police.

Five ZCA workers were taken away for questioning after armed members of the police entered ZCA premises on Monday.

It is thought that one ZCA staff member was assaulted during the raid, which also saw police removing papers, equipment and copies of the Christian organisation's March newsletter.

The workers remain in custody though as yet no charges have been brought against them. A lawyer from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights is in Harare to represent the detainees.

This latest raid follows a rising tide of intimidation and violence directed against civil society and church-based organisations, as part of the state's determination to remain in power as the presidential runoff election of June 27 draws near.

Dr. Steve Kibble, Progressio advocacy coordinator for Africa said: "These latest attacks show that anyone voicing dissent in Zimbabwe is a potential target for intimidation and violence. There is an urgent need for pressure from the UN, African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Other governments around the world, and the denominations within those countries, should also encourage the Zimbabwe government to hold free and fair elections to ensure a democratic future."

Progressio welcomed the formation of the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance in 2006 and has worked closely with its members and supporters to help churches resolve the crisis in Zimbabwe by bringing about social transformation through prophetic action.