Jestina Mukoko facts for kids
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Jestina Mukoko is a brave Zimbabwean human rights activist. She leads an organization called the Zimbabwe Peace Project. This group works to protect people's rights and promote peace. Before becoming an activist, Jestina was a journalist and a popular newsreader for the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation.
In March 2010, Jestina Mukoko was honored by the U.S. State Department. She received the International Women of Courage Award. This award celebrates women who show amazing courage and leadership in helping women's rights. She also spent time at Colby College as a special fellow, studying human rights.
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What Happened to Jestina Mukoko?
Her Abduction and Detention
On December 3, 2008, Jestina Mukoko was taken from her home north of Harare during the night. People believed she was taken by government agents. They thought she was involved in plans for protests against the government.
She later shared her story with The Independent newspaper. She said she was questioned about her work with the Peace Project. Then, she was accused of trying to recruit young people for military training with the opposition group, the Movement for Democratic Change.
Difficult Interrogations
During her detention, Jestina faced harsh questioning. She was hit on the soles of her feet. After three days, new questioners took over. They said they were "law and order" officials. They threatened her if she did not agree to be a witness against others.
Many important people around the world spoke out for her. Gordon Brown and Condoleezza Rice demanded her release. A group called the "Group of Elders," including Jimmy Carter, Kofi Annan, and Graça Machel, also asked for her freedom.
Court Orders and Continued Detention
The Zimbabwe High Court ordered the police to find Jestina Mukoko. However, the police ignored this order. They said they did not know where she was.
Meanwhile, Jestina was forced to kneel on rough ground for hours. They tried to make her sign a statement saying she had recruited someone for a plot. Her health got worse, and she was given medicine for allergies. She was also made to read statements on camera. She was pressured to admit links to a former policeman. She heard someone mention King George VI Barracks, a military base.
Eventually, she was told that she and another person taken, Broderick Takawera, were in police custody. She was moved between different police stations. She was also forced to go with police to search her home and office.
Appearing in Court
On December 24, the state newspaper Herald reported that Jestina Mukoko had appeared in court in Harare. She was accused of trying to recruit people for military training to overthrow the government. She had not been able to talk to her lawyers. She appeared with seven other people who had been taken. This group included a 72-year-old man and a two-year-old boy. The boy's parents were also held.
Release and Legal Victory
In March 2009, three months after she was taken, Jestina Mukoko was released on bail. She had to report to her local police station every week. She also had to give up her passport.
On September 21, 2009, the Zimbabwe Supreme Court made an important decision. They ordered that the criminal case against Jestina Mukoko be stopped permanently. Amnesty International praised this decision. They believed the charges were made up by the government. This was seen as a way to silence people who disagreed with them.
German politician Marina Schuster has also helped raise awareness for Jestina Mukoko's important work.
