Stop arrests, intimidation Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 19:26:05 +0000 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
Editorial | March 21, 2005 Stop arrests, intimidation In the space of only four days, security personnel have arrested two Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) supporters ostensibly in connection with the opposition party’s t-shirts. We condemn these actions because they undermine the spirit of opening up the political space. Last Wednesday, Internal Security Organisation operatives arrested an FDC coordinator in Rukunguri over wearing a party t-shirt. The arresting authorities said it was a rebel uniform. By the weekend the whereabouts of Mr Christopher Turyahikayo were still unknown. It is a national tragedy when a citizen is arrested over wearing a t-shirt of a duly registered political party. Then on Saturday, security personnel arrested an FDC supporter who prints the party’s t-shirts in Bunga, Kampala. Ms Peggy Ntegyereize, who was accused of being a rebel collaborator, was released after recording a statement with the Criminal Investigations Department. She said she was being intimidated because she deals with the FDC’s exiled leader, Col. Kiiza Besigye. Earlier, FDC promoters were turned away from celebrations to mark the International Women’s Day on account of their attire. Police told the FDC women who were wearing party t-shirts and carrying a party flag that their dress was inappropriate and was likely to cause a “breach of the peace.” Yet, hundreds who were dressed in yellow t-shirts and dry banana leaves, the party colour of the NRM and symbol of the government’s no-term limits campaign respectively, were allowed to take part in the celebrations presided over by President Yoweri Museveni. These are bad signs. The intimidation and harassment of opposition supporters will undermine the legitimacy of the political transition. If FDC and other opposition supporters are involved in rebel activity, they should be arrested through constitutional channels and tried before competent courts. The arrests of people associated with the FDC and its exiled leader have sown a climate of fear at a time when the country is gearing up for more competitive politics. The government has a responsibility to facilitate a conducive environment for political debate and campaigning. President Museveni and his administration should send a clear message to the police and security agencies to stop harassing and arresting opposition supporters over flimsy charges. <html><DIV> <DIV>Gook </DIV> <DIV> </DIV></DIV></html> _________________________________________________________________ Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today it's FREE! http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/ _______________________________________________ Ugandanet mailing list Ugandanet@kym.net http://kym.net/mailman/listinfo/ugandanet % UGANDANET is generously hosted by INFOCOM http://www.infocom.co.ug/
