I would like to draw attention to the plight of the young Zimbabwean
poet Sikumbuzo Dube, 25, who faces a one year prison sentence for
writing and reciting a poem entitled 'Cry, the beloved country', which
ridicules President Robert Mugabe.
His trial is the first of its kind under new legislation under the new
'draconian' Public Order and Security Act.
"...the poem triggered a furore in cells, dividing inmates into two
camps: those who enjoyed it and those who felt offended. The title was
taken from Alan Paton's novel set in South Africa in the 1940's...Mr
Dube who was remanded in custody for trial on April 3 told Plumtree
magistrate Jabulani Sibanda he thought it was not a serious crime to
ridicule the president as newspapers printed worse criticism than his
poem and nothing was done to them."
If not already a member, I would urge listees who live in relative
freedom, to consider joining International PEN - url below - whose
objective is "...to fight for freedom of expression and to defend
vigorously writers suffering from oppressive regimes."
regards,
maria
http://www.oneworld.org/internatpen/
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