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The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has condemned in the strongest possible terms, “the unjust conviction and corrupt detention of its president”, Obert Masaraure.
A statement from the ARTUZ information desk said the move was a blatant miscarriage of justice and a direct attack on the union and the fundamental freedoms of the Zimbabwean people.
The union averred that the regime in Zimbabwe continues to wield the criminal justice system as a weapon to suppress dissent and silence those who dare to organize resistance against “their authoritarian rule.”
ARTUZ said the repeated postponement of Masaraure’s sentencing is a clear indication of the disregard for due process and the rule of law.
The union argued: “The trumped-up charges against ARTUZ 16 exemplify the regime’s desperate attempts to subjugate our union and its fight for a better Zimbabwe. But let us be clear: standing up for justice is not a crime, and we will not succumb to their tactics of oppression. Today, we call upon all concerned Zimbabweans to stand in solidarity with Comrade Obert Masaraure.
“On 24 May 2024, wear black and use the hashtag #FreeObert on social media to show your support. Join us at the Rotten Row Magistrate’s Court at 09:00 to demand the immediate and unconditional release of our brave president. The discharge of the case against ARTUZ 16, scheduled for a ruling on 10 June 2024, is yet another disturbing development that erodes the principles of due process in this country. We mourn the death of justice and call upon every Zimbabwean to join us in our unwavering fight against this tyrannical regime.
“We will not be silenced, and we will not rest until our fundamental freedoms are restored and the rights of all Zimbabwean citizens are protected. The chains of oppression will not break us. Our resolve for a better Zimbabwe is the union’s motivation, and we will continue to stand tall in the face of adversity.”