Scott Reid Speaks Out Against Mugabe‘s Failing Democracy in Zimbabwe
May 9, 2003Ottawa – Scott Reid MP (CA, Lanark-Carleton) spoke out in the House of Commons today against the recent arrest Zimbabwe MP David Mpala. Scott Reid stated:
As part of its continuing crackdown on dissenting voices in Zimbabwe, the regime of Robert Mugabe has trampled unconstitutionally on the rights of Zimbabweans to freedom of assembly, free property ownership, and freedom of speech.
To bring attention to the plight of opposition MPs, who are frequently in danger of arbitrary arrest or of personal injury at the hands of Mr. Mugabe’s thugs, Amnesty International and Oxfam have “twinned” a number of Canadian and Zimbabwean MPs.
For the past year, I have been twinned with David Mpala, MP for the riding of Lupane, also a member of the opposition party Movement for Democratic Change.
On March 31 several MPs, including Mr. Mpala, were arrested without legitimate cause. Their condition is uncertain.
Mr. Speaker, Canada cannot stand idly by as Mr. Mugabe transforms Zimbabwe from a multi-racial democracy into a Stalinist terror-state. If Canada refuses to take leadership within the Commonwealth to oppose Mr. Mugabe, then courageous men like David Mpala will have risked their lives and liberty for nothing.
Mr. Reid is available for comments on this issue.
For more information or to speak with Mr. Reid
Please call (613) 257-8130 or (613) 947-2277.
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