Minister of State for Africa, Harriett Baldwin, said: I
have been following the events in Zimbabwe over the last week with growing
concern. I summoned the Zimbabwean Ambassador to the United Kingdom to attend
the Foreign Office on 17 January to discuss the situation.
Since the weekend
there has been widespread unrest and a heavy security force response, with
several people killed and many injured.
While we condemn the
violent behaviour of some protestors, and unlawful acts such as arson and
looting, we are deeply concerned that Zimbabwe’s security forces have acted
disproportionately in response. In particular, there are disturbing reports of
use of live ammunition, intimidation and excessive force.
In addition, the
Government of Zimbabwe shut off access to the internet on 15 and 16 January and
continues to block a number of social media sites.
We call on the
Government of Zimbabwe to ensure its security forces act professionally,
proportionately and at all times with respect for human life and constitutional
rights. We further call on the Government of Zimbabwe to investigate all
allegations of human rights abuses. We also urge the reinstatement of full
internet access, consistent with citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of
expression.
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