UK "Closely Following" MDC Trio's Abduction Case

The United Kingdom (UK) has said it is still closely following the abduction case of MDC Trio, Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova.

UK ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mrs Melanie Robinson, posted on Twitter reminding Zimbabwe that the MDC trio, like all other prisoners, has the right to equal and fair treatment. Said Robinson:

Still following the case of Joana Mamombe, Cecelia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova closely. Very important that Joana continues to get the medical attention she needs. All prisoners have the right to equal and fair treatment under the law.

The UK ambassador speaks when the MDC trio appeared before the High Court yesterday for the commencement of their abduction case.

The State accuses the three female activists of faking their abduction in May last year.

Mamombe and colleagues claim that they were abducted by suspected state security forces while in police custody following their arrest at a flash food protest in Warren Park.

The state denies the allegations saying they were meant to soil the image of the government.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Mrs Bianca Makwande Wednesday postponed the matter to May 5 for trial continuation.

This is happening when the UK and Zimbabwe are in negotiations to normalise relations that went sour at the turn of the millennium following the chaotic land reform programme in the Southern African country that displaced many white farmers.

The UK accused the Robert Mugabe-led administration of gross human rights abuses and imposed sanctions on the country adding that the corrective measures will only be lifted when Zimbabwe implements requisite reforms.

The abduction case of the MDC trio is, therefore, of much vitality to both Zimbabwe and the UK who have been following it since day one.

More: Pindula News;