Rule of law, law and the health profession : Zimbabwe 2002
Politically motivated violence around elections in Zimbabwe has been documented before. A fact-finding mission was planned and undertaken two months ahead of the presidential election March 2002.
Author: Eppel, Shari | Pedersen, Hans Draminsky
RCT Author (No longer employed at RCT): Hans Draminsky Pedersen
Source: Danish medical bulletin ; vol. 49, no.
3
METHODOLOGY: We interviewed and examined persons who alleged
exposure to politically motivated torture, ill treatment and
other human rights abuses. We assessed
the validity of individual statements of torture and
ill treatment and assessed existing similarities between histories
of individual interviewees, e.g., as to timing of the
assault and use of torture instruments to further
appraise the validity. We analysed the
results of our findings in relation to a newly introduced law
restricting civil rights, and to the experiences of
disrespect for the rule of law in Zimbabwe.
RESULTS: Four men gave accounts of being beaten systematically
with barbed wire and electrical cable all over their
bodies. The clinical findings were in complete
agreement herewith and their histories were mutually
consistent. In ten additional interviews, we collected evidence of
killing, ill treatment and harassment including robbing of ID cards
from torture victims. Apart from losing their vote in
the forthcoming election, according to
the new law, victims with stolen ID cards will be
liable to up to six months imprisonment. According to precedents,
perpetrators of election violence and torture can expect impunity.
The rule of law and the new law
undermines democratic rights and free and fair elections and
facilitates election violence including torture. We received
statements about interference by the police in
the delivery of health care
services in hospitals and the new law
could impede health professionals
in documenting and reporting crimes including
torture.
CONCLUSION: The rule of
law, the law points to the deepest
disrespect for democratic and human rights in Zimbabwe. Our
findings fit into this pattern. Any election under
these conditions cannot be free and fair.
Health professionals are hindered
in exercising their duties both in terms
of offering services and in terms of documentation and surveillance
of human rights abuses. The international community
should monitor the situation in Zimbabwe and
strengthen the sanctions if torture
systematically is used against opponents of the
government or if the food aid is provided selectively
to supporters of the government