On May 8 the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions’ President, Lovemore Matombo, and Secretary General, Mr Wellington Chibebe were arrested and charged with spreading falsehoods prejudicial to the state.

The charges followed speeches they made during May Day celebrations at Dzivarasekwa Stadium in Harare on 1 May 2008. They were initially denied bail and when bail was eventually granted conditions were imposed forbidding them from addressing political or public gatherings. They were bailed to appear on 23 June. These charges and bail conditions are clear breaches of free speech and freedom to associate. 

 

When the two leaders arrived at Harare magistrate Court, there was no trial magistrate and State Prosecutor. The State Prosecutor, Mr Tawanda Zvekare was said to away on another business while no reason was given why the trial magistrate was not present. This hearing was postponed to 30 July.

 

The ZCTU leaders attended court on 30 July, only to be told that their trial would be postponed again, until 27 August 2008. The bail conditions that have been keeping the activists silent over this important period in Zimbabwe will now be extended for another month restricting their freedom of speech further.