Human rights groups in Zimbabwe have hit out at the government following the arrest of several activists ahead of planned peaceful protests.

Rights watchdogs claim authorities are stepping up a crackdown on basic freedoms, using security forces to crush dissent as public frustration grows over the country’s worsening economic crisis and governance issues.

Reporting from Harare, John Kassim confirmed that those detained were picked up by police while preparing for demonstrations. Local civic groups have slammed the arrests, calling them a blatant breach of the constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble and protest peacefully.

Human rights defenders are now calling on the Zimbabwean government to release the activists immediately, drop all charges linked to the protests, and respect the rule of law.

–Channel Africa–