By CELIA W. DUGGER
Published: October 22, 2008
Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of two women who were arrested Thursday for leading a peaceful protest in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, to demand food for the starving and the immediate formation of a power-sharing government.
The women, whom Amnesty called prisoners of conscience, were not brought to court for their bail hearing because prison authorities claimed they had no fuel, the group said. They are Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu, leaders of a group called Women of Zimbabwe Arise.
The women’s lawyer contended they had no record of criminal convictions and should be released for disturbing the peace, punishable by fine. The prosecutor argued for a denial of bail on grounds the women were likely to commit more such offenses.
The magistrate is expected to decide on bail Friday.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/23/world/africa/23zimbabweweb.html?ref=world
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