FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Andrea Prichett
May 20, 2008 (510) 644-2613


FRIENDS OF ZIMBABWE TO GATHER AT
SAN FRANCISCO CITY HALLTO PROTEST
POST-ELECTION VIOLENCE



“STAND UP FOR ZIMBABWE” THEME OF AFRICA DAY 2008

Post-election violence and intimidation tactics are still being used to stop Zimbabweans from voting for the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and Bay Area residents are demanding an end to the violence. Since 1963, the 25th of May has been commemorated annually as Africa Day, recalling the founding of the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union. This Africa Day, in solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe who have endured so much, supporters will gather on the steps of City Hall to call on the African Union, SADC, and the UN to do more to pressure the Mugabe regime to stop the violence and return to the rule of law.

A newly formed group called “Friends of Zimbabwe” is calling on all people of conscience to join our vigil for one hour on Sunday to demonstrate concern for the people and press for the end to the violence. Participants are encouraged to bring signs, songs, poetry, memories or reflections on the situation.

Official results showed opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai beat President Robert Mugabe in the disputed March 29 poll, but not by enough votes to avoid a run-off. The MDC disagrees with these findings and asserts that Tsvangirai won the election outright. Even still, the run-off is currently scheduled to take place on June 27th but many fear that recent murders, beatings, attacks on public meetings and even church services, have created a climate of terror in which citizens are afraid to cast their ballot for the MDC. The MDC blames the government for violence in which it says 40 of its members have been killed, scores have been wounded and more than 1,000 homes burnt or destroyed in attacks by gangs wielding whips, axes and clubs.
Supporters are also encouraged to check out two websites about the situation and the call to protest at http://www.kubatana.net . Details about “Stand Up for Zimbabwe are available at http://www.standupforZimbabwe.org. Hopefully, this last minute gathering will signal the beginning of a Bay Area response to the horrifying conditions that are being visited upon Zimbabweans who dare to exercise their right to vote for the party or candidate of their choice.


WHAT: Protest Post-Election Violence Against the
People of Zimbabwe

WHO: Friends of Zimbabwe and anyone who is concerned

WHERE: San Francisco City Hall Steps
(BART to Civic Center)

WHEN: Sunday May 25th from 1-2pm