Amnesty International says Pastor Evan Mawarire’s life is at risk following protests he organized together with Tajamuka-Sesijikile campaign that shut down Zimbabwe on July 6th.
In a statement, Amnesty International urged Zimbabwean authorities to ensure the safety, personal security and well-being of Pastor Mawarire of #Thisflag movement.
Amnesty International further appealed to Zimbabwe to end alleged harassment, arbitrary arrest and unlawful detention of human rights defenders and activists and perceived enemies of the state.
In an interview with Studio 7, Pastor Mawarire said he would return to Zimbabwe once he is assured of his safety and that of his family.
Pastor Evan Mawarire leaves the Harare Magistrates Court, Zimbabwe, July 13, 2016, after the court freed him ruling that police violated his rights.
“I have to ensure that my family and I are safe before I return home following President Robert Mugabe’s address at the Heroes Acre where he accused me of being a fake pastor sponsored by the West,” said Pastor Mawarire.
He said following the president’s remarks he has received numerous threatening calls while in South Africa and there have been people inquiring about his whereabouts, making him very fearful of his life.
Zanu PF youth took to the streets last week to signal their support of the president and threatened to thwart Pastor Mawarire’s efforts to make the government accountable.
An unidentified Zanu PF youth, who participated in the peaceful march in Harare to show support for President Robert Mugabe’s government, threatened in a video posted on VOA Studio 7 Facebook page that they would take stern measures against the pastor.
Almost 900 people have posted comments on the video, which has gone viral.-VOA
