WASHINGTON DC —
Lawyers representing three members of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) who continue to languish in detention for the alleged murder of a police man, Inspector Petros Mutedza in Glenview in 2011, are now weighing their options to secure the freedom of their clients.
Last year High Court judge Chinembiri Bhunu acquited 29 MDC activists and put 7 on their defense. These are Tungamirai Madzokere, Yvonne Musarurwa, Last Maingehama, Lazarus Maingehama, Phineas Nhatarikwa, Edwin Muingiri and Paul Nganeropa Rukanda.
Though the other four were given bail, the state denied Musarurwa, Last Maingehama and Madzokere the same opportunity. Maingehama and Musarurwa are at Chikurubi Maximum Prison and Rukanda is being held at Harare Central Prison.
Lawyers, Beatrice Mtetwa, Alec Cuchadehama and Charles Kwaramba are now considering pushing the court for an early trial date or if that fails, apply for bail again.
Sources say last year the High Court refused to entertain a bail application or the setting of a trial date saying they had no time since judges including Bhunu were tied up in election petition appeals.
It is the state case that the accused murdered Inspector Mutedza in cold blood when he tried to disperse them following an illegal gathering.
MDC-T spokesman Douglas Mwonzora accuses the state of targeting MDC supporters and trying to intimidate their youth from participating in politics.
Attorney Beatrice Mtetwa said the bail option is on the table as their clients have been in detention for a long time without trial.
Last year High Court judge Chinembiri Bhunu acquited 29 MDC activists and put 7 on their defense. These are Tungamirai Madzokere, Yvonne Musarurwa, Last Maingehama, Lazarus Maingehama, Phineas Nhatarikwa, Edwin Muingiri and Paul Nganeropa Rukanda.
Though the other four were given bail, the state denied Musarurwa, Last Maingehama and Madzokere the same opportunity. Maingehama and Musarurwa are at Chikurubi Maximum Prison and Rukanda is being held at Harare Central Prison.
Lawyers, Beatrice Mtetwa, Alec Cuchadehama and Charles Kwaramba are now considering pushing the court for an early trial date or if that fails, apply for bail again.
Sources say last year the High Court refused to entertain a bail application or the setting of a trial date saying they had no time since judges including Bhunu were tied up in election petition appeals.
It is the state case that the accused murdered Inspector Mutedza in cold blood when he tried to disperse them following an illegal gathering.
MDC-T spokesman Douglas Mwonzora accuses the state of targeting MDC supporters and trying to intimidate their youth from participating in politics.
Attorney Beatrice Mtetwa said the bail option is on the table as their clients have been in detention for a long time without trial.