Today, Senator Russ Feingold, chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, released a statement condemning the arrest of Roy Bennett, urging President Obama to take action to promote his immediate release:
Washington, D.C. - Following reports of the arrest of Roy Bennett, the Treasurer-General of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change and designated Deputy Minister of Agriculture in Zimbabwe's new unity government, U.S. Senator Russ Feingold, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, released the following statement:
"I am deeply concerned by the arrest of Roy Bennett. This appears to have been a deliberate attempt to keep him from being sworn in with other cabinet members last week and to undermine the newly formed unity government. If so, this is calls into question Robert Mugabe and his allies' commitment to genuinely share power and implement democratic reforms. I will continue to monitor the situation in Zimbabwe and Mr. Mugabe's actions closely. I urge the Obama administration to do all it can to ensure that Mr. Bennett is not tortured and to press for his immediate release."
Thank you to Senator Feingold for your continued work for the people of Zimbabwe. The statement is yet another show of support for the MDC and their efforts to promote an effective power-sharing agreement in the face of leaders reluctant to loosen their grip on power.
Today I also received word that my postings here and your comments on my blog are making their rounds in Zimbabwe. This is the type of encouragement that people on the ground need to see to continue their mission to help see a safe ending to Roy Bennett's captivity in Mutare. Please continue to pass along the kind words, the men holding Roy are grasping at straws, clearly scrambling to find reasons to prolong Roy's incarceration. Remember, I am convinced that no harm will come to Roy if we, like those standing watch with Roy, remain vigilant and be sure to keep the pressure on Mugabe and his military cronies.
Here's an excerpt of a press release from the MDC today:
Having heard submissions of the defence on whether to place Roy Bennett on remand, Magistrate indicated that a ruling will be made tomorrow (Wednesday 18 February 2009) at 1415hrs.
Roy Bennett will be moved from Mutare police station to Mutare prison. He is in good spirit.
These charges are scandalous and politically motivated, and as is emerging, being used for a deeper political agenda. Roy Bennett will not be used as ransom and he will not accept to be horse traded for any political convenience and manoeuvre.
We demand the immediate unconditional release of Roy Bennett, Jestina Mukoko, WOZA leadership and members and all political prisoners unharmed.
Please leave your comments. Your words and your encouragement mean more than you know for the people on the ground fighting to keep Roy's story alive.