The Zimbabwean Supreme Court ruled Monday that prominent human rights activist Jestina Mukoko could not be tried on charges she conspired to overthrow the previous government of President Robert Mugabe because her rights were violated when she was abducted from her home and tortured by state security agents.
Experts said the ruling could set legal precedent for many other similar cases pending in the country.
Correspondent Thomas Chiripasi of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe reported from Harare.
Mukoko said she felt relieved by the ruling, and vowed that her experience at the hands of state security agents after her abduction in December 2008 will not deter her from activism. Her Zimbabwe Peace Project compiled extensive reports on politically motivated violence in the country following March 2008 elections.
Shortly after her release, Mukoko told reporter Marvellous Mhlanga-Nyahuye of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that the ruling, most importantly, gives her back her life.
Law Society of Zimbabwe Vice President Tinoziva Bere, a lawyer in eastern Mutare, Manicaland province, told reporter Sandra Nyaira that the the ruling not only sets a precedent but suggests the judiciary, which has been accused of being a tool of Mr. Mugabe's ZANU-PF party, would like to reform itself.
More reports from VOA’s Studio 7 for Zimbabwe…
