Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Zimbabwe about reports of violence inflicted on supporters of the victor of the recent parliamentary by-election in the Norton constituency.

The Government condemns the use of violence and intimidation. We regularly urge the government of Zimbabwe to end human rights abuses and restore internationally accepted standards. We have urged the authorities in Zimbabwe to fully and properly investigate these allegations, and to ensure that the perpetrators of any violence are held to account. In Norton, prior to the election day, opposition rallies were violently broken up by police, and there were reports that supporters of the victor were harassed, including an abduction, sexual assault and beatings by Zimbabwe African National Union youth members. The election day itself was peaceful.