Activist free to go, says Zimbabwean court

by eyetee | November 1, 2010 12:00 am

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A Zimbabwean court has dropped all charges against human rights activist Farai Maguwu, who was accused of providing false and prejudicial information against the state in connection with the Marange diamond fields.

Following a meeting with Kimberley Process (KP) monitor Abbey Chikane in May, Maguwu—a director of the Centre for Research and Development (CRD)—was arrested, along with a family member. His detention sparked outrage throughout the industry and threatened to derail talks between the Zimbabwean government and the KP over exporting Marange diamonds. He was released on bail in July following outcry from diamond and human rights groups around the world.

The World Diamond Council (WDC) welcomed the Zimbabwean court’s decision.

“This is excellent news,” said WDC president Eli Izhakoff. “The case against Mr. Maguwu had cast a shadow over negotiations between the Zimbabwe government and the Kimberley Process for more than half a year. We sincerely hope this matter has been resolved once and for all, and that Mr. Maguwu will be able to continue with his life after a very difficult period of time. I am confident this will contribute positively to the atmosphere at the Kimberley Process plenary meeting in Jerusalem, [which begins today].”

The WDC says it has continued to lobby the Zimbabwean authorities since its annual meeting in St. Petersburg in July to have all charges against Maguwu dismissed.

Source URL: https://www.jewellerybusiness.com/news/activist-free-to-go-says-zimbabwean-court/