PHR Library

March 27, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Zimbabwe's President Mugabe Must Stop Abuses Against Opposition Activists and Denial of Medical Care

In a letter to President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Physicians for Human Rights condemns the torture and assaults on and denial of medical treatment to members of the opposition party and other peaceful activists by police and security personnel. PHR cites cases from medical colleagues in Zimbabwe that describe dozens of injuries to the individuals, including fractures and soft tissue injuries, head injuries and a ruptured bowel due to blows to the abdomen by police. Some individuals were denied medical treatment, leading to more serious injuries. Denial of such care is an egregious violation of human rights.

PHR calls on President Mugabe to restore respect for human rights to all the people of Zimbabwe, including free expression, personal security, health and economic well-being.

Related Links

Sign the petition from the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) mobilizes the health professions to advance the health and dignity of all people by protecting human rights. As a founding member of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, PHR shared the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize.