Bashing Dissent

Escalating Violence and State Repression in Zimbabwe

Summary

Recommendations

To the Government of Zimbabwe..

To the Southern African Development Community (SADC)

To President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa..

Background

Mounting Political Tensions and Arrests in February and March

The March 11 Crackdown..

Escalating Violence and Repression after March 11

Crackdown in Harare's high-density communities

Abductions and abuse by alleged CIO agents, Youth Militia and ZANU PF supporters

Arbitrary arrests and abuse of opposition members and supporters

Use of lethal force by security forces

Intimidation, arrest and abuse of lawyers and journalists

The International Response

Acknowledgements