By Political Correspondent 

GLOBAL human rights watchdog, Amnesty International, has condemned the “arbitrary detention and allegations of torture” of opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party activists and demanded that the State drops all charges against them.

“The arrest and continued arbitrary detention of 77 opposition members who had peacefully gathered at a private residence is part of a disturbing pattern of repression against people exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression,” said Khanyo Farisè, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for Southern Africa.

On Sunday police arrested and detained 78 CCC members, including interim party leader Jameson Timba, who had reportedly gathered at the latter’s house to commemorate the International Day of the African Child.

One of the individuals arrested was a nursing mother, and another was a 17-year-old minor who has since been released to the custody of his parent.

The group were held in custody for more than 48 hours without appearing before a competent court, in violation of Zimbabwean law.

One of the individuals arrested was a nursing mother, and another was a 17-year-old minor who has since been released to the custody of his parent.

Police charged the detainees with “gathering with intent to promote public violence and disorderly conduct.”

77 activists remain in remand as they await court proceedings scheduled for 20 June.

Amnesty International said the charges should be dropped and all the detained activists released.

“Zimbabwean authorities must immediately and unconditionally release these opposition members and drop all charges against them,” said Farise.

“Authorities must also uphold Zimbabwe’s constitutional and international human rights obligations including the rights to peaceful assembly, liberty and freedom from torture and other ill-treatment.”

Allegations that the activists were tortured should also be investigated, the Amnesty regional chief added.

“Authorities must promptly, thoroughly, impartially, independently, transparently and effectively investigate allegations that some of those arrested were tortured while in police custody and bring to justice those suspected to be responsible. Authorities must also ensure those affected receive urgent medical attention.”