(MENAFN- The Arabian Post)

The U. S. Department of State's 2024 report on Zimbabwe paints a grim picture of human rights conditions under President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government. It highlights a consistent pattern of violations, ranging from repression of political opposition to systemic abuses of freedom of expression. Despite mounting international scrutiny, authorities in Zimbabwe remain largely unaccountable for these actions, allowing abuses to persist unchecked.

According to the U. S. report, Zimbabwe's government has continued to curtail civil liberties with impunity. Political opposition leaders, activists, and journalists are routinely subjected to harassment, arrest, and imprisonment under the guise of maintaining national security. Notably, the government has targeted peaceful demonstrations, with security forces using excessive force to disperse protesters. These crackdowns have been accompanied by widespread arrests of individuals critical of the regime, including human rights defenders and opposition members.

Freedom of expression has been stifled, with journalists facing intimidation and censorship. Independent media outlets have been forced to operate under constant threat of closure, while reporters critical of the government are subjected to violence or arbitrary detention. Several high-profile cases of journalists being assaulted or arrested during their reporting were highlighted in the report, drawing attention to the dire state of press freedom in the country.

The U. S. report also draws attention to the continued use of repressive laws that enable the government to silence dissent. The Public Order and Security Act and the Criminal Law Act have been repeatedly invoked to suppress political activities. These laws allow for the detention of individuals without trial and restrict the right to assemble peacefully. Furthermore, the government has made attempts to restrict social media access, fearing that online platforms could serve as a vehicle for opposition movements to gain momentum.

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The security forces, including the police and military, are accused of engaging in violent tactics to maintain control, especially in rural areas where opposition support is strong. Extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and torture remain a disturbing part of the regime's efforts to quell dissent. The report specifically cites cases of civilians being abducted, tortured, and murdered, particularly during periods of heightened political tension, such as election campaigns.

While the Zimbabwean government has claimed to implement reforms, the U. S. Department of State points to the lack of tangible progress in addressing these violations. Calls for justice have gone unanswered, with impunity becoming the norm for perpetrators of human rights abuses. The government's failure to hold perpetrators accountable reflects a broader pattern of disregard for human rights and the rule of law.

The U. S. report urges the international community to take stronger action to hold Zimbabwe's leadership accountable. However, the government in Harare remains defiant, dismissing these reports as biased and part of a broader Western conspiracy against the country's sovereignty. This stance has led to strained relations between Zimbabwe and several Western nations, despite efforts to mend ties through diplomatic channels.

The situation in Zimbabwe remains dire for those seeking justice and accountability. Human rights organisations continue to document the abuses, while opposition leaders and activists face ongoing threats. As the government presses on with its authoritarian rule, the prospect of meaningful change remains uncertain, with citizens facing a bleak future under a regime that shows no signs of relinquishing power or respecting human rights.

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