Zimbabwe has been under the rule of President Robert Mugabe and chiefly under the rule of a single party since gaining independence in 1980. Mr Mugabe’s rule has been characterised by well documented and gross human rights abuses, repression of political opposition, protest and economic collapse. After a contentious presidential win for Mr Mugabe in 2008 followed by a formation of a coalition government, record-setting hyperinflation led to the suspension of the Zimbabwe dollar in April 2009. Poverty and unemployment are both endemic in Zimbabwe, provision of basic services continues to deteriorate, and corruption is rampant. The #ThisFlag movement led by Human Rights activist, Evan Mawarire has channelled the citizens’ frustrations into non-violent protest. In July/August 2016, Mr Mawarire called for a national stay-away. The stay-away was widely observed and sparked a series of mostly non-violent protests and demonstrations, and that received a violent government backlash, culminating in Mr Mawarire’s arrest. Thousands of citizens came to stand in support of Mr Mawarire at his trial, where the government prosecutor attempted to introduce a treason charge during the court proceedings. The charges against Mr Mawarire were dropped, and he was released before he left for exile. 

He returned to Zimbabwe on the 1st of February and was immediately arrested at the airport for organising Zimbabweans "to converge in New York to confront the president of Zimbabwe who was attending a United Nations seminar and order him to immediately resign from his position accusing him of destroying the country,". He also stands accused of "insulting the flag" amongst other charges meant to silence protest against an underperforming government. Together with hundreds of other activists, he has been arrested without trial. Severe torture has been meted out on many.

Please sign this petition urging the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to immediately put pressure on the Zimbabwean government to release Mawarire and other prisoners of conscience in Zimbabwe. Human Rights Now in Zimbabwe.