Zimbabwe: Lawyers demand release of missing activist

Itai Dzamara was seized by unknown men in March, just days after he addressed a rally of opponents of President Robert Mugabe, who has often been accused of rights abuses.

Dzamara is also known for staging sit-ins in Harare's main square last year demanding the resignation of President Robert Mugabe. During the sit-ins he accused Mugabe of destroying Zimbabwe and damaging its international reputation.

Until now his whereabouts still remain unknown, but his family and lawyers from the Zimbabwe Laywers for Human Rights (ZLHR), believe he is being held at s secret location by Zimbabwe's security services. They have now made fresh demands calling for his immediate release.

Kumbirai Mafunda, a spokesman for ZLHR, told DW that they have a court order that obliges the police to share information on their investigation into the disappearance of Dzamara. But the said the last time they received a police report was three months ago.

"We are worried that the police have not complied with the court order by providing comprehensive and thorough reports of their efforts to investigate the disappearance of a Zimbabwe citizen," Mafunda said.

It's not only the lawyers organization's demands to release the activist that have been ignored by the Zimbabwe government, but also those from the United States, European Union and human rights groups

Family concerned

In the past months both the police and the Central Intelligence Organization (CIO) have consistently denied knowing Dzamara's whereabouts. His family is deeply worried for his safety.

Itai's younger brother, Patson Dzamara, told DW that his brother's disappearance has been very disheartening especially for his wife and children. They now plan to hold a special prayer service on July 11 hoping for divine intervention.

"We still hold on to hope. We are praying and believe in God to orchestrate his release. The wife is disturbed. It's not easy for her," Patson said.

Lawyer Mafunda said his organization has had engagements with the family and it's difficult for them to cope. "The wife is distraught. Each day is a painful day especially for her two children," Mafunda said.

"We are hopeful that Itai is alive and we are appealing to whoever is holding him to please return him he deserves to be together with his family," he added.