Zimbabwe

Progressive Teachers' Union of Zimbabwe General Secretary arrested

Education International has been informed of the arrest of Raymond Majongwe, the General Secretary of PTUZ, on 15 May 2008.

Mr Majongwe was picked-up by the police at the High Court of Zimbabwe where he was attending a hearing in which leaders of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) are accused of inciting people during their May Day celebrations to rise against the government.

Education International notes with great concern that these facts occur in the context of organised intimidation and brutality against human rights defenders and political opponents.

Education International has sent protest letters to the Government of Zimbabwe condemning these blatant violation of basic human and trade union rights. EI is in daily contact with its affiliates in the country (mostly Zimbabwe Teachers Association ) and with the Progressive Teachers' Union of Zimbabwe. EI has taken initiatives to support the teachers in their daily lives. EI has informed the UN agencies of the violence committed against teachers. EI is also considering sending a mission to Zimbabwe to assess how best to support the teaching community in Zimbabwe.

In June, the human and trade union rights violations perpetrated in Zimbabwe will be discussed at the International Labour Conference. Education International, together with the Workers' Group, will highlight the harassment of trade unionists and of teachers.

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Last Modified: 20 May 2008