Zimbabwe: Mrs Kidd's life and safety threatened
Amnesty International is gravely concerned for the safety and life of Mrs. Birgit Kidd, a Finnish citizen living in
Zimbabwe.
According to reports received by Amnesty International, Mrs Kidd was alleged to have been assaulted and taken from her
home in Chimanimani, eastern Zimbabwe today, 28 May 2004. A group of people, which may have been several hundred strong,
reportedly stoned her home, then dragged her through Chimanimani and forced her to clean up local offices of the
Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). The MDC offices were earlier allegedly destroyed by members of the same group who
are responsible for the assault, detention and humiliation of Mrs. Kidd.
Amnesty International telephoned the local police at 12.30pm (UK time) but they were unable to provide any information.
The organization is gravely concerned that the local police may not be taking appropriate action to safeguard Mrs. Kidd.
"The Zimbabwe Republic Police should act immediately to ensure the safety of Mrs. Kidd," Amnesty International urged.
The organization previously took action, in May 2002, on behalf of Mrs. Kidd's husband, Michael Shane Kidd, who was
allegedly assaulted while in police detention in Chimanimani.
View Annual Report 2004 entry for Zimbabwe http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maacixPaa7dD2bb0hPub/
View all documents on Zimbabwe at http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maacixPaa7dD3bb0hPub/