The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (The Forum) has today 18 February 2009 released a report - /Only Bruises on the Soles of their Feet! Torture and Falanga in //Zimbabwe/ - which is available via the following link;
The report speaks to the relationship between torture and elections in Zimbabwe. In many instances it can be argued that torture has helped ZANU PF win elections. The report also analyses the use of torture largely by the Zimbabwe Republic Police and other groups mainly associated with ZANU PF. Since its formation in 1998, the Forum has issued several reports on torture, urging an end to this vile practice. Despite this, torture continues to be practiced on a widespread scale in Zimbabwe.This report focuses on Falanga as a form of torture. Falanga as defined in this report means the systematic beating on the soles of the feet using some form of instrument, such as a baton stick, an iron bar, etc. It is a very serious and ancient form of torture, and can lead to permanent disability.The report also critiques SADC's position on the use of torture.The report calls on the regional body to insist on clear benchmarks for the restoration of democracy, the rule of law and human rights in Zimbabwe, and one of the primary benchmarks must be an end to torture, investigation of all allegations of torture, and prosecution of the alleged offenders.
Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum
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