I am Sorry to Hear This!

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(Sad news from my LEAD network. I am deeply concerned when this thing happened. Absolutely sad. )

From: Simon Lyster, LEAD International, Chief Executive

Dear all,
You may have heard the news that LEAD Fellow Jestina Mukoko from Zimbabwe (Cohort 10) was reportedly taken from her home by armed police on 3 December and has not been seen since. Clearly this is of grave concern, and there has been an international outcry as a result. Jestina is Director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project and a Board member of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Forum. You find a letter I have written to Robert Mugabe, and also a background fact sheet prepared by Amnesty International. I have focused my letter on the fact that Jestina is a LEAD Fellow, but you may like to refer to other matters raised by Amnesty as well.


(Up-date per 15 January 2009) It has been 40 days since LEAD Fellow Jestina Mukoko has been taken from her home in the town of Norton, Zimbabwe. LEAD is engaging with the political leaders in the region as well as organisations such as Amnesty International to put pressure on Zimbabwean authorities to free Jestina.

We all need to continue to persevere in our efforts for a safe release of our Fellow Jestina Mukoko, so please keep sending letters reflecting deep international concern for Jestina and other human rights activists in Zimbabwe and urgent calls for their safe release. We will keep you informed of the situation.

Sincerely, Simon Lyster
Chief ExecutiveLEAD International

(Up-date per 9 March 2009) Finally Jestyna Mukoko was released last week on bail after three months of captivation.

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