Prison cells at Harare Remand Prison hold more than 80 people when they should only house 35. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission visited the facility on April 29 to check conditions for political detainees. Commission leader Fungayi Jessie Majome said inmates face terrible living conditions because of overcrowding. Police officers beat and robbed many prisoners during their arrests. The broken phone system prevents inmates from calling their families during emergencies.
Two university students were unable to take their exams because prison officials refused to let them. Blessed Mhlanga studies law as a first-year student at university. Another 22-year-old student studies economics at the University of Zimbabwe. Both were denied the chance to sit for their scheduled tests. The commission found 66 migrants from other countries being held without any criminal charges against them.
The commission worked to address several issues following the visit. Officials promised medical care for injured inmates and contacted TelOne to repair the phone lines. The University of Zimbabwe agreed to help the students reschedule their missed exams. Many detainees were released on bail after the commission completed its investigation. The group says protecting human rights remains the most important goal for everyone.
Two university students were unable to take their exams because prison officials refused to let them. Blessed Mhlanga studies law as a first-year student at university. Another 22-year-old student studies economics at the University of Zimbabwe. Both were denied the chance to sit for their scheduled tests. The commission found 66 migrants from other countries being held without any criminal charges against them.
The commission worked to address several issues following the visit. Officials promised medical care for injured inmates and contacted TelOne to repair the phone lines. The University of Zimbabwe agreed to help the students reschedule their missed exams. Many detainees were released on bail after the commission completed its investigation. The group says protecting human rights remains the most important goal for everyone.
