Unwarranted official restrictions on CS

A senior PNG cabinet minister, John Pundari, has recently suggested the setting up of a statutory body to monitor NGOs in the country. The Mining Minister’s reaction was culmination of a tussle between the Government and environmental NGOs over one of the country’s biggest nickel mines – Ramu Mine. Over the months, certain NGOs have been advocating on behalf of landowners against the environmental impacts of the mining project.

A senior PNG cabinet minister, John Pundari, has recently suggested the setting up of a statutory body to monitor NGOs in the country. The Mining Minister’s reaction was culmination of a tussle between the Government and environmental NGOs over one of the country’s biggest nickel mines – Ramu Mine. Over the months, certain NGOs have been advocating on behalf of landowners against the environmental impacts of the mining project.

Police raided the Gays and Lesbian Association of Zimbabwe (GALZ) offices and arrested two of their employees: Ellen Chademana and Ignatius Muhambi. Thy further denied Ms. Chadehama bail despite her diabetic condition.

Two police officers harassed a human rights lawyer with ZLHR, Blessing Nyamaropa, who was enquiring about the detention of a brother to one Civil Society director. Nyamaropa was interrogated and harassed by police officers asking him to disclose who had instructed him to represent the accused.

Riot police disrupted a photo exhibition by Zimrights which showcased the political violence of the 2008
elections. They confiscated the pictures and arrested the organizers.

Four members of the Women Of Zimbabwe Arise were arrested and spent five days in police custody after participating in an anti ZESA blackouts protest at ZESA offices in Gweru.

The Zimrights chair, Joel Hita was arrested for holding a meeting convening a sensitization meeting with Masvingo residents on their constitutional rights.