Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06HARARE1192
2006-09-27 08:09:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Harare
Cable title:
VOP UPDATE: COURT DROPS CHARGES
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C O N F I D E N T I A L HARARE 001192
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
AF/S FOR S. HILL
NSC FOR SENIOR AFRICA DIRECTOR C. COURVILLE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/26/2016
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL ASEC ZI
SUBJECT: VOP UPDATE: COURT DROPS CHARGES
REF: REFTEL: HARARE 112 AND PREVIOUS
Classified By: Ambassador Christopher W. Dell under Section 1.4 b/d
C O N F I D E N T I A L HARARE 001192
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
AF/S FOR S. HILL
NSC FOR SENIOR AFRICA DIRECTOR C. COURVILLE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/26/2016
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL ASEC ZI
SUBJECT: VOP UPDATE: COURT DROPS CHARGES
REF: REFTEL: HARARE 112 AND PREVIOUS
Classified By: Ambassador Christopher W. Dell under Section 1.4 b/d
1. (SBU) At the latest installment of the trial of the Voice
of the People (VOP) trustees for illegally broadcasting
(Reftel for background) on September 25, Magistrate William
Bhila removed the accused from further remand, a move that
essentially drops the charges against the seven defendants.
The state prosecutor asked the court for a fourth delay to
amend the charges to direct the proceedings against the trust
as a legal entity, rather than the individuals. Bhila,
however, agreed with defense attorney Beatrice Mtetwa's
argument that continued delays were a hardship for the
defendants, including Arnold Tsunga and Isabella
Matambanadzo, who traveled from the U.S. and South Africa,
respectively, to attend the hearing.
--------------
Comment
--------------
2. (C) While the state's case against the VOP is dead for
now, the prosecutor's comments suggest that the case may
resurface at a later date but targeted at the organization,
rather than the individuals. The state's fumbling of the
charges, however, shows that it never had a strong case
against the trustees and was instead using the trial as a
means of harassment. Meanwhile, even if the state brings
charges against the trust, the impact is likely to be minimal
as VOP has already begun to relocate its offices to South
Africa.
DELL
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
AF/S FOR S. HILL
NSC FOR SENIOR AFRICA DIRECTOR C. COURVILLE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/26/2016
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL ASEC ZI
SUBJECT: VOP UPDATE: COURT DROPS CHARGES
REF: REFTEL: HARARE 112 AND PREVIOUS
Classified By: Ambassador Christopher W. Dell under Section 1.4 b/d
1. (SBU) At the latest installment of the trial of the Voice
of the People (VOP) trustees for illegally broadcasting
(Reftel for background) on September 25, Magistrate William
Bhila removed the accused from further remand, a move that
essentially drops the charges against the seven defendants.
The state prosecutor asked the court for a fourth delay to
amend the charges to direct the proceedings against the trust
as a legal entity, rather than the individuals. Bhila,
however, agreed with defense attorney Beatrice Mtetwa's
argument that continued delays were a hardship for the
defendants, including Arnold Tsunga and Isabella
Matambanadzo, who traveled from the U.S. and South Africa,
respectively, to attend the hearing.
--------------
Comment
--------------
2. (C) While the state's case against the VOP is dead for
now, the prosecutor's comments suggest that the case may
resurface at a later date but targeted at the organization,
rather than the individuals. The state's fumbling of the
charges, however, shows that it never had a strong case
against the trustees and was instead using the trial as a
means of harassment. Meanwhile, even if the state brings
charges against the trust, the impact is likely to be minimal
as VOP has already begun to relocate its offices to South
Africa.
DELL