WFDB ‘Shocked’ by Raid on the Home of NGO Activist in Zimbabwe
June 03, 10
The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) said it is “concerned and shocked” at a raid on the home of Farai Maguwu, the director of the Centre for Research and Development (CRD). The raid, by Zimbabwean police, took place on Thursday May 27.
“The NGO is a recognized and respected entity and any harm inflicted upon any of its members or their family or their possessions would be seen by the WFDB as a serious threat to its ability to carry out its work unhindered, and would question the standing of Zimbabwe as a KP partner,” the WFDB said in a release.
The WFDB reaction follows a similar reaction by a group of NGOs that condemned the search on Maguwu’s home and the CRD’s office.
Maguwu disappeared after the search and is likely in hiding. His nephew was arrested.
The WFDB added that it supports the dedicated work of the NGOs and condemns any attempt to harass them and expects the immediate release of the arrested family member together with assurance that they can continue their work without interruption.