WE DIDN'T STOP WOMEN FROM DEMONSTRATING: POLICE

February 16, 2004 – (The Herald - Harare) Police yesterday said they did not stop any Valentine's Day demonstrations by Zimbabwean women but their application had not been granted by a Bulawayo High Court.

Police chief spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena denied international Press reports that the Police had dispersed demonstrations on Saturday countrywide.He said Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) went to Bulawayo High Court seeking an order to be allowed to demonstrate but it was turned down.

"The group of women had made an application with the Bulawayo High Court and it was turned down but we never thwarted any demonstrations," he said.

He dismissed the reports saying that they were only trying to be heard by the international community by taking advantages of such a day.

"They are only raising issues so that they would be heard by the international community. These are the very same people who need publicity," said Asst Comm Bvudzijena.

"Why would they demonstrate on Valentine's Day."

Women of Zimbabwe Arise spokesperson Mrs Jenny Williams was quoted by the AFP on Saturday saying that they
wanted to demonstrate so that Zimbabwe returns to love again.

She alleged that they had been given permission to hold the demonstration.

"The demonstration is about Valentine's Day. We are saying Zimbabwe is crying and want to love again. We must defend our right to love," said Williams who was quoted by AFP.

Last year WOZA switched its similar demonstration to politics, which police believe was the reason why the High Court did not grant them permission to demonstrate this year.

From: http://allafrica.com/stories/200402160990.html