JURIST - Paper Chase: Trial on hold pending medical care for Zimbabwe rights activist Jestina Mukoko

[JURIST] The trial for imprisoned Zimbabwe human rights activist and head of Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) [advocacy materials] Jestina Mukoko [advocacy website, JURIST news archive] was put on hold Monday until she recieves medical care. Mukoko was allegedly tortured and forced to ingest poisons while imprisoned in Chikurubi Maximum Security prison after a judge ordered that she remain in custody [JURIST reports] over the weekend. Mukoko had previously been ordered released from the prison for medical care [JURIST report] but the state ignored the order.

Mukoko, who played a key role in monitoring and publicizing the violence that has occurred before and after the recent Zimbabwe presidential elections and the run-off elections [JURIST reports] that followed, was apprehended from her home on December 3 and held in an undisclosed location for several weeks because of her alleged involvement in Mugabe's opposition. Mukoko is accused of plotting to overthrow the government of Zimbabwe's President Mugabe. Rumors of mistreatment have alarmed human rights groups [OMCT press release] worldwide and compelled worldwide protest.

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