Mugabe plans laws to silence critics
Peta Thornycroft Zimbabwe is poised to introduce draconian laws to silence its critics, both at home and abroad, who face 20 years in jail if they “publish or communicate a falsehood”. Opposition members have condemned the measures as “the most fascist legislation this country has known”. The Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Bill, went through
Violence of the heart
Zimbabwe Independent Editor’s Memo By Vincent Kahiya A MARTIN Luther King commandment says “refrain from violence of the fist, tongue and heart”. Most people can stop themselves from hitting others out of fear of arrest and can bite their tongue to refrain from saying something mean, but violence of the heart is challenging. Following this
Letter to the Editor, Zimdaily
Editor, Zimdaily. 28th June 2006 Dear Sir, The article you published by Tsungai Mhaka on Monday the 26th June 2006 is in some respects false and you are invited to correct the falsehoods and publicly apologise for them. Whilst I take issue with most of what has been written as it is largely comment I
Statement of David Coltart regarding his political future
I am very proud to have been a founder member of the MDC and to have been part of the courageous struggle of the MDC during the last seven years to bring an end to tyranny in Zimbabwe. In particular I was proud to be part of a united organisation that transcended the tribal, ethnic,
The reasons why I cannot join the Tsvangirai faction
It is 7 months since the divisive meeting of the MDC National Executive was held on the 12th October 2005. I have refrained from making public statements since then but am now of the view that the public have a right to know my perspective. I have always believed that the two factions of the
MDC must deal with violence in its own ranks
Zimbabwe Independent David Coltart ZIMBABWE has been afflicted with the terrible disease of endemic violence for over 150 years. Violence was used by Lobengula to suppress the Shona. It was used to colonise and after that to maintain minority rule, to overthrow white supremacy and, after Independence in 1980, to crush any possibility of legitimate
Zim ratifies SADC protocol on fugitives
The Herald By Tandayi Motsi Fugitives from justice will soon have no hiding place as steps are being taken to harmonise legal systems in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), in addition to strengthening domestic regulatory and supervisory systems for the monitoring and detection of organised crime in United Nations member-states To this end, last
Amicable Divorce
Letter from Tendai Biti (Secretary General, MDC) to David Coltart Dear David I refer to your letter dated 17th February 2006 addressed to President Morgan Tsvangirai in his personal and individual capacity, which letter as I have pointed out to you, I have not read or been privy too. I am aware however from newspaper
HOT SEAT: Part 2 – INTERVIEW WITH DAVID COLTART
In a letter to the two factions, Coltart noted that some of the leaders are skeptical about his intentions and his ability to play a mediation role. So in this final segment, I first asked him about his personal views and where he stands. COLTART: I think it’s inevitable, let me say this, I have
HOT SEAT: Part I – Coltart says: Mutambara faction is still viable
With Violet Gonda SW Radio Africa VIOLET: Welcome to you Mr Coltart. COLTART: Good evening Violet, it’s nice to be with you. VIOLET: Thank you. Now let’s start with your efforts to try and broker peace between the two factions of the MDC, where are you with this? COLTART: Since the split started on the