Zimbabwe human rights defenders granted bail, allege 'torture': Video
Two prominent pro-democracy activists, Namatai Kwekweza and Robson Chere, have been released on bail after spending over a month in detention, during which they allege they were tortured.
Their release comes amid growing concerns over the country's treatment of human rights defenders.
Kwekweza, expressing relief after 36 days in custody, emphasised that her experience reflects the plight of many others.
"For me, it's just a deep sense of relief that finally after about 36 days that I am able to go home and be with my family, my friends and the whole community. I think it's just an issue of being able to realise that what has happened to us has been happening across the country and I think we should not take away attention from so many people, especially the 79 who are still in prison," she told the AFP.
Chere, a teachers' union leader, reported persistent physical pain from the alleged torture, particularly in his chest, and stated that he requires further medical examinations to assess the full extent of his injuries.
He said, "I am still having some pains after the torture that I experienced, I still have some pains especially the left side of my chest. I managed to have access to my medical practitioners but I still need to go under further medical examinations to assess the extent of the damage of the injuries that I suffered."
The pair, along with former Harare municipal councillor Samuel Gwenzi, were arrested on July 31 and charged with disorderly conduct for protesting the arrest of fellow activist Timba. The trio was detained at Harare International Airport while en route to a civil society conference in Victoria Falls.
