SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES RELEASE OF DETAINED, BEATEN ZIMBABWE OPPOSITION LEADERS

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is concerned about the detention yesterday of opposition leaders in Zimbabwe, following the break-up of a public meeting by riot police.  He condemns the reported beating of those leaders in police custody.  Such actions violate the basic democratic right of citizens to engage in peaceful assembly.

The Secretary-General urges the Government of Zimbabwe to release the detainees and to guarantee their safety.  He calls on the authorities to allow peaceful assembly and to provide a space for the exercise of legitimate political rights.

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For information media • not an official record