Roy Bennett Released From Prison

For many of us who follow the Zimbabwean situation this is wonderful news.








Roy Bennett was released from Chikurubi Prison this morning after spending eight months of his 12 month sentence in custody. It is standard prison procedure to commute a third of any sentence for good behaviour.

The former MDC Member of Parliament emerged from his incarceration unbowed and undaunted in his struggle for justice for all Zimbabweans.

"I am more determined than ever to continue to strive for a better Zimbabwe for all Zimbabweans, the current oppression cannot continue for much longer and sooner, rather than later, the people will assert their rights", he said.

There were emotional scenes outside the prison when Roy was reunited with his wife two children and other family and friends.

"Nothing that I have ever read or seen prepared for the hell that are Zimbabweans prisons", said Bennett.

"The inhumanity with which the prisoners are treated and their total lack of recourse to any representation or justice combined with the filth and stench of daily life is something I will never forget and I will not rest until their conditions are improved," he added.

He also stated that if the opportunity arose and the people for Chimanimani asked him to, he would stand as their representative again.

Bennett was sentenced to a year in jail by the Zanu-PF MPs after pushing the Minister of Justice, Patrick Chinamasa, to the ground during a parliamentary debate. Chinamasa had derided the court orders that Bennett had been awarded that should have seen his property returned after it had been seized by the State and on top of this he had insulted Roy's forefathers.

The sentence was condemned by local and international human rights organisations.

Speaking after the tearful reunion, Heather Bennett said she was proud of her husband and the sacrifice he has made for the betterment of all Zimbabweans.

"I knew Roy would emerge from this ordeal strong, but I am shocked by exactly how determined he to continue to struggle for a new Zimbabwe.", she said.

"But first we are going to spend some time together as a family".

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