UK urged to support Zimbabwe strike

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Employees in London were called on to join a lunchtime demonstration outside the Zimbabwe Embassy in the Strand, where vigils have been held for more than four years to complain about human rights abuses under president Robert Mugabe's regime.

The TUC and campaign group Action for Southern Africa (Actsa) said people in this country should protest against the "violence and torture" meted out to trade unionists in Zimbabwe.

The strike has been called over the state of the economy in Zimbabwe, where inflation has soared to 1,700% and unemployment has reached 80%.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "Zimbabwe's people are suffering from Mugabe's appalling economic mismanagement, corruption and brutal repression.

"They are standing up for their rights, and we must stand with them."

Lela Kogbara, chairman of Actsa, said: "As with every oppressive regime, women and workers are left bearing the brunt. Join us as we stand in solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe in their struggle for peace, justice and freedom."

Kathryn Llewellyn, head of campaigns at Actsa, added that workers attending protests in Zimbabwe were now being "branded" after being beaten up by police and other officials.

"We are disgusted by the news that state bullies are now branding helpless protestors after having beaten them. This relentless state violence is despicable and must be opposed.

"We stand in solidarity with the general strike and call on people to join our demonstration outside Zimbabwe House."