Amnesty activists distribute Valentine’s roses in solidarity with Zimbabwean people

dublin | rights, freedoms and repression | news report

Thursday February 14, 2008 15:33

by Amnesty 1 - Amnesty International

info at amnesty dot ie

Amnesty International Irish Section activists distributed Valentine’s roses to Dubliners at O’Connell Bridge today in solidarity with human rights campaigners in Zimbabwe. It follows incidents in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, yesterday where police attacked members of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) who were taking part in their annual Valentine’s protest where roses are handed out to the general public and the police.

Amnesty International activists handing out roses

Amnesty International Irish Section activists distributed Valentine’s roses to Dubliners at O’Connell Bridge today in solidarity with human rights campaigners in Zimbabwe. It follows incidents in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, yesterday where police attacked members of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) who were taking part in their annual Valentine’s protest where roses are handed out to the general public and the police.

Noeleen Hartigan, Programmes Director Amnesty International Irish Section said: “Every year around Valentine’s Day members of WOZA distribute roses to members of the public and the police. The aim of this peaceful protest is to encourage Zimbabweans to stand up for their children in a time of extreme economic hardship and with elections looming in March.

“Yesterday police in Harare assaulted people trying to participate in this unique form of political protest and fired tear gas into the crowd. Initial reports from Zimbabwe indicate at least 11 people were injured. Police in Zimbabwe routinely arrest and beat human rights defenders engaging in peaceful protest. Detainees are often ill-treated and denied access to lawyers, food and medicine.

“In distributing roses in solidarity with the Zimbabwean people to Dubliners today we are hoping to draw attention to the human rights abuses committed by the Zimbabwe government. We are also inviting people to a play and panel discussion we are hosting in St Ann’s Parish Centre off Molesworth Street on Friday night to discuss what can be done in Ireland to help build a new and democratic Zimbabwe."

Members of the public signing petition in support of WOZA