Zim frees protesters

HARARE – Zimbabwe police have freed more than 100 women arrested five days ago for taking part in an illegal march in protest against sharp rises in school fees, a member of the group said.

Jenni Williams, spokeswoman for the pressure group Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), said she and 104 fellow activists were released from custody in the southern city of Bulawayo after prosecutors declined to pursue the matter in court. “…It is very clear there is no case they can bring against us,” Williams told Reuters by telephone.Police could not be reached immediately for comment.Many had complained of chest problems after being drenched by rain while they were held in a cage in the open on the first night and sleeping on damp floors, Williams said.Police have arrested scores of WOZA activists in the past three years for holding demonstrations against economic hardship, in defiance of strict security laws banning public gatherings without police permission.WOZA says women have borne the brunt of an eight-year recession and rampant inflation widely blamed on mismanagement of the economy by President Robert Mugabe’s government.- Nampa-Reuters”…It is very clear there is no case they can bring against us,” Williams told Reuters by telephone.Police could not be reached immediately for comment.Many had complained of chest problems after being drenched by rain while they were held in a cage in the open on the first night and sleeping on damp floors, Williams said.Police have arrested scores of WOZA activists in the past three years for holding demonstrations against economic hardship, in defiance of strict security laws banning public gatherings without police permission.WOZA says women have borne the brunt of an eight-year recession and rampant inflation widely blamed on mismanagement of the economy by President Robert Mugabe’s government.- Nampa-Reuters