ISO (Zimbabwe)

Johannesburg protest in support of the "Zimbabwe 6", March 20, 2012.

By Lisa Macdonald

March 22, 2012 – Links International Journal of Socialist Renewal/Green Left Weekly -- Six Zimbabwean activists who were convicted for watching a video of the Arab Spring in February 2011 won a partial victory on March 21 when they were given suspended jail sentences of two years, ordered to each do 420 hours of community service and pay a fine of US$500 each.

The six activists were convicted in the Harare Magistrates Court on March 19 of trumped-up charges of “conspiracy to commit public violence”. They had faced up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a sentence demanded by the state prosecutor, Edmore Nyazamba.

Supporters of the activists facing unlawful imprisonment.

The following statement was issued by the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU). Readers of Links International Journal of Socialist Renewal are urged to phone, email or send protest messages demanding the release of the six Zimbabwe activists to the Zimbabwe embassy or consulate in their countries. Solidarity actions are being organised in South Africa. Please send copies of protest messages sent to socialismfrombelow@gmail.com (copy to ashley_fataar@yahoo.co.uk and shanthabloemen@gmail.com).

Text messages can be sent to:

Home affairs (police) minister Kembo Mohadi: +263 712 605 424 (mobile)

State security (C.I.O.) minister Didymus Mutasa: +263 0712 200 532 (mobile)

Police spokesperson Wayne Bvudzijena +263 712 801 172

August 14, 2011 -- Links International Journal of Socialist Renewal -- The following petition is being circulated in Australia.

By the National Coordinating Committee, International Socialist Organisation Zimbabwe

June 7, 2011 -- The Zimbabwean state has dropped the most serious charges against six activists who faced the death penalty for treason.