Demand for Justice and Immediate Release of the Avondale 79

My name is Netsai Marova, a 29-year-old democracy and human rights campaigner born and raised in Zimbabwe. In May 2020, my colleagues and I endured a harrowing ordeal, being abducted and tortured for 36 hours by state agents. Now, living in exile, I am compelled to speak out against the ongoing persecution in Zimbabwe.

Today, I write with urgency and grave concern regarding the unlawful detention of the Avondale 79. These individuals, including minors and women who were brutalized by the police, are currently held at remand prison and Chikurubi Female Prison. Their only “crime” was gathering peacefully at Senator Timba’s private residence.

On June 16, 2024, Zimbabwe Police arrested 79 individuals, including women, children, and persons with disabilities, who were peacefully gathered at Senator Timba's private residence in Avondale, Harare. These citizens, now known as the Avondale 79, have been subjected to brutal treatment and unjust detention, violating their constitutional rights.

Key Facts:

1. The group was attending a peaceful lunch gathering at a private residence when arrested.
2. Detainees include six aged 19 and under, 27 women, 1 person with disabilities and a nursing mother with her baby.
3. Many suffered severe injuries due to police brutality, including fractured limbs.
4. Detainees have been denied medical attention and their constitutional right to bail.
5. As of June 30, 2024, they have been unlawfully held for 14 days.
6. One woman tragically lost her child on June 27 and was denied attendance of the burial.
7. The next court date is set for July 10, 2024, with potential convictions and prison sentences looming.

These actions by Zimbabwean authorities constitute severe human rights violations and a blatant disregard for constitutional freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly and the right to bail. 

This petitions calls for :

1. The immediate and unconditional release of all 79 detainees.
2. Dropping of all charges against the Avondale 79.
3. A thorough investigation into the police brutality incident by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission.
4. Accountability for those responsible for the mistreatment and unlawful detention.
5. Respect for and protection of citizens' constitutional rights by the Government of Zimbabwe.

We urge:

1. The Government of Zimbabwe to uphold its constitutional obligations.
2. International Human Rights Organizations to pressure Zimbabwean authorities.
3. Concerned global citizens to show solidarity with the Avondale 79.

This petition stands as a united voice against the ongoing persecution of opposition activists and the erosion of democratic freedoms in Zimbabwe. We demand immediate action to address this grave injustice and call for systemic change in how peaceful dissent is treated in Zimbabwe.

By signing this petition, you join the global call for justice, human rights and democracy in Zimbabwe.

Stand with the Avondale 79. Sign and share this petition today.

In Solidarity,

Netsai Marova
Democracy and Human Rights Campaigner