Zimbabwe: Ban Ki-moon condemns reported police beating of opposition leaders

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged the Government of Zimbabwe to release opposition leaders being held by police, and condemned the reported beatings they suffered while in custody.

A spokesperson for Mr. Ban issued a statement voicing concern about yesterday’s detention of opposition leaders following the break-up of a public meeting by riot police.

Condemning the reported beating of those leaders in police custody, spokesperson Michele Montas said such “actions violate the basic democratic right of citizens to engage in peaceful assembly.”

She urged the Government of Zimbabwe to release the detainees and guarantee their safety, while calling on the authorities to “allow peaceful assembly and to provide a space for the exercise of legitimate political rights.”