Staff reporter
Mary Lawlor, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, has expressed deep concern regarding the ongoing legal proceedings against Obert Masaraure, a prominent human rights defender in Zimbabwe. Lawlor has called for an immediate halt to the pattern of criminalizing education and labor rights defenders and demanded that all charges against Masaraure be dropped.
Obert Masaraure, the National President of the Amalgamated Rural Teacher’s Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), has faced a series of arrests and charges since 2019. Accused of “subverting a constitutionally elected government and inciting public violence,” Masaraure has been targeted for his peaceful advocacy on behalf of teachers’ labor rights and the right to education. In recent years, he has been arrested multiple times and charged with offenses such as participation in protests, alleged murder, and public incitement to violence. Despite being released on stringent bail conditions, Masaraure’s legal battles persist.
Lawlor has expressed alarm at the apparent systematic targeting of ARTUZ human rights defenders who strive to safeguard labor rights and promote education in rural areas of Zimbabwe. She has received reports alleging arbitrary arrests, excessive use of force, and ill-treatment by law enforcement officials against these defenders.
The Special Rapporteur voiced concern that the targeting of Masaraure and others may discourage individuals from peacefully assembling to demand their right to education. She urged the Zimbabwean government to drop all charges against Masaraure and create a safe environment for human rights defenders.
Lawlor has already communicated her concerns to the Government of Zimbabwe and affirmed her commitment to closely monitor the situation as it develops
