CCC Avondale-78 women activists ‘forced to strip in front of men’
Phones damaged as activists also forced into a swimming pool during arrest
By Staff Reporter
A Harare magistrate heard on Monday that women activists seized during a police raid at former opposition senator Jameson Timba’s Harare home last month were forced by police to strip and perform some humiliating acts in front of men.
The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activists, now known as Avondale78, appeared in court on Monday for trial commencement which however failed to kick off as lawyers demanded a report initially ordered by the courts concerning alleged torture by police officers.
They are accused of attending what prosecutors say was an illegal gathering at Timba’s home as they convened to commemorate the Day of the African Child on 16 June.
The court heard that female activists were forced to strip in the presence of men and to do humiliating acts when they were taken into custody.
Coupled with police assaults, the court has heard, the activists endured acts of torture which include being forced into a swimming pool while holding their cell phones resulting in damage to the gadgets.
Lawyers argued trial should not commence if the the outcome of the report on the abuse of the activists is not brought to court.
They argued the report has a bearing on the trial process as they prepare to defend the activists.
“The state knows what it is supposed to do. It is now clear that they ignored the serious complaints which were raised by the accused,” argued Webster Jiti, representing the activists.
“The accused have the right to stop their prosecution if that report is supporting them.
“The matter should be postponed till the report is tendered before the court. The state is in contempt of the court order.
“For them to start the trial, they should pay for that contempt…the trial cannot commence if the state is defiance.”
However, the magistrate ruled that the absence of the report will not disturb trial in any way.
“This court is of the view that as much as the state is supposed to comply, but the defence lawyers failed to prove how the absence of that order will affect the trial.”
Trial commences this Tuesday.
