1/15 All said and done, I acknowledge you the peace loving
people of Zimbabwe.I salute those who supported the march despite the
challenge. To those who got injured and were assaulted, I wish you quick
recovery. Your bravery and courage are not in vain.We shall overcome.
2/15 To the regional leaders, their countries, citizens of
Africa and to the international community, thank you for your solidarity with
the people of Zimbabwe. Ours is a peaceful and just cause, indeed a democratic
struggle for a better, free and truly new aZimbabwe
3/15 As a peaceful party, the MDC has followed all legal
processes in the exercise of our political rights which are guaranteed by the
constitution. We gave notice of the demonstration even though we disagree
vehemently with the legislation under which this had to be done (POSA).
4/15 However,at the eleventh hour the police unreasonably
denied us the opportunity to exercise our rights.Our efforts to challenge the
decision in court were in vain.We always expect and trust our courts to be fair
and impartial but we are once again disappointed by the outcome.
5/15 It is now clear we did everything possible using the
available legal routes in order to exercise our rights but all avenues are
closed.We’re confronted by an unjust system - unjust rulers, unjust rules and
unjust playing field but will never doubt the justice of our cause.
6/15 There comes a point in the affairs of humankind when a
people must challenge an unjust system, when compliance is as good as
reaffirming the unjust system and your own mental and physical subjugation.
7/15Throughout the course of history no oppressed people
have achieved freedom by complying with the dictates of an unjust system.They
have challenged it.This is the historic task of our people;our generation. The
system a vicious machinery but the people have a valiant spirit.
8/15 The world saw for itself how brutal the regime is
despite attempts to paint a picture that it is a New Dispensation.Sights of
police brutalising defenceless civilians, beating up women and the elders are
tragic but they also confirm why this demonstration was necessary
9/15 The State has not reformed and it lacks the legitimacy
and moral authority to govern, hence the resort to use of excessive force. In
fact, those in power today clearly show us that they have learnt nothing and
forgotten nothing from the yesterpolitics.
10/15 We’ve always called for the need of political reforms
underpinning economic reforms. Images going around the world as a result of the
excessive force used by the state against the people shame Zimbabwe & make
the country less attractive as an investment destination.
11/15 What the government has done reaffirms the need for
political reforms and reinforces our argument about the importance of restoring
legitimacy. No government that enjoys untrammelled legitimacy behaves as the
Zimbabwean government has behaved today
12/15 Ahead of August 16 there had already been signs of
the brutal hand of the regime. Political activists were abducted and brutally
tortured by agents. The state’s bad history in this regard places
responsibility upon its shoulders, they carry the duty to protect citizens.
13/15Going forward,Zimbabweans have no choice but to
continue peacefully expression.All authority comes from the people as it is up
them to assert it.ED has made the choice for you,remain steadfast in the face
of violence and intolerance and keep fighting for your rights.
14/15 In the days,weeks and months ahead, peaceful action
is our force. To the people who will come out to express themselves we say it’s
important to exercise your rights and to do so peacefully.
15/15 We continue pray for the injured wishing them quick
healing.We salute those incarcerated or charged on account of politics.Many of
us have scars of the struggle.There will be many more.But this is not the time
to give up.The seed of liberty is in our blood & expires not!
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