Zimbabwe: Killing of human rights defender Elliot Machipisa

Your Excellency,

I am deeply concerned following the killing of human rights defender Elliot Machipisa. Elliot Machipisa was a pro-democracy activist and an observer with the Zimbabwe Elections Support Network (ZESN), a non-partisan, independent group of thirty-eight non-governmental organisations which have come together to promote democratic processes in Zimbabwe.

On the morning of 17 June 2008, Elliot Machipisa was killed in front of his family in Karuru, Hurungwe. His wife is currently in a critical condition in Karuru clinic. On 14 June 2008, a meeting was reportedly held between Zanu PF supporters and war veterans to discuss how best to deal with election observers. Prior to the killing of Elliot Machipisa, ZESN election observers in the Karuru area had been the targets of sustained threats and acts of violence.

The escalation in violence against human right defenders and organisations working to promote human rights and democracy since the national elections were held on 29 March 2008 is of particular concern. On 13 May 2008, ZESN officers Charles Thole and James Mushayi were abducted and reportedly tortured before being released. On 25 April 2008, the ZESN offices were raided and members of the organisation were subjected to harassment. The Chairperson, the National Director, and the Programmes Manager have all been arbitrarily detained and interrogated on a number of occasions. On 2 May 2008, election reports and evidence of human rights violations in Zimbabwe were confiscated from Dzimbabwe Chimbga of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) by security agents at Harare International Airport while he was on his way to Swaziland for the 42nd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR). On 4 June 2008 all private voluntary organisations (PVOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were ordered to cease all field activities by the authorities.

I believe that Elliot Machipisa was targeted as a result of his legitimate work in the defence of human rights, in particular his work to promote democracy and the rule of law in Zimbabwe. I am concerned that this forms part of an ongoing trend of harassment against human rights defenders in Zimbabwe. I am also concerned for the physical and psychological integrity of Elliot Machipisa's family.

I urge the authorities in Zimbabwe to:

1.Carry out an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation into the killing of Elliot Machipisa, with a view to publishing the results and bringing those responsible to justice in accordance with international standards;

2.Guarantee the security and physical and psychological integrity of Elliot Machipisa's family;

3.Ensure that all human rights defenders in Zimbabwe, carrying out their legitimate work in the defence of human rights, are able to operate free of restrictions and reprisals.

Yours sincerely