Zimbabwe human rights rally held in Hatfield

MORE than 60 Zimbabweans from across the UK gathered in Hatfield on Saturday to call for the return of human rights to their homeland. The meeting, held at Lord William Cecil Memorial Hall in French Horn Lane, was organised by

MORE than 60 Zimbabweans from across the UK gathered in Hatfield on Saturday to call for the return of human rights to their homeland.

The meeting, held at Lord William Cecil Memorial Hall in French Horn Lane, was organised by ROHR (Restoration of Human Rights) Zimbabwe.

Founded in 2007, the group seeks to end human rights abuses in the former British colony through demonstrations, educational workshops lobbying and fundraising.

Speaking at the meeting, ROHR president Ephraim Tapa said people were being killed, raped and assaulted in Zimbabwe every day by supporters of the country's president Robert Mugabe.

He also said opposition politicians were being detained on fictitious charges and that trade unions and foreign media had been banned from the country.

Following his speech, the Hatfield branch elected a new committee, while �70 was raised selling traditional African cuisine.

Mugabe, 85, has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence from Britain in 1980.

Once branded the 'Garden of Africa' due to its prosperous agricultural industry, today Zimbabwe is a land ravaged by inflation, unemployment and disease.

Many nationals have since left the country and settled abroad.

For more information, visit www.rohrzimbabwe.org