Rights group: Zimbabwe impunity fueling violence

JOHANNESBURG -- An international rights group says impunity is fueling political violence as elections approach in Zimbabwe.

Human Rights Watch said in a Tuesday report that the country faces a "crisis of impunity" that encourages the state-orchestrated killings, torture and beatings. The report says police refuse to act on complaints and judges are co-opted or threatened and attacked.

The report says security forces loyal to longtime President Robert Mugabe are largely responsible for the violence. Mugabe has led Zimbabwe since 1980.

Human Rights Watch called for Zimbabwe's unity government to respect its constitution and international laws by setting up an independent commission to investigate serious human rights abuses, bring perpetrators to trial and ensure reparations for victims.


(2011-3-8/The Washington Post)