On July 10, human rights defender, Bhekimpilo Mbedzi, was arbitrarily arrested and is being detained after he posted a video on social media calling for protests against the recently enacted Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3. He faces charges of ‘inciting an unlawful gathering’ with the state alleging that he failed to notify the relevant authorities of the planned gathering.
The Zimbabwean authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Bhekimpilo Mbedzi Mbedzi as he is detained solely for the peaceful exercise of his human rights.
PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: August 7, 2026
Here is how you can take action:
- Send a letter to the Zimbabwe authorities
- Send an email to the Zimbabwe authorities
- Post on social media
Scroll down to Step 1 and Step 2 to access the full Urgent Action appeal and sample letter, and U.S.P.S. mailing address (if available).
Dear Honorable Loice Matanda-Moyo,
I am concerned about the arbitrary arrest and detention of human rights defender, Bhekimpilo Mbedzi, who is currently facing charges of “incitement to conduct an unlawful gathering.”
The charges arise from a video posted on Bhekimpilo Mbedzi’s Facebook page on July 10, 2026, in which he encouraged members of the public to participate in a demonstration planned for July 31, 2026 against Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3. The authorities allege that he appeared in the video holding a placard reading “NO TO 2030” and mobilized people to participate in the demonstration without the required notification to the relevant authorities. He was subsequently charged with “incitement to conduct an unlawful gathering”.
The use of criminal charges against individuals for peacefully expressing dissenting views or mobilizing others to participate in peaceful demonstrations risks undermining civic space and discouraging the legitimate exercise of huma rights.
I call on you to immediately and unconditionally release Bhekimpilo Mbedzi as he is being detained solely for the peaceful exercise of his human right and drop all the charges against him. I further urge you and the authorities to uphold and ensure respect for the human rights of everyone in the country including the rights freedom of expression, association, and to peaceful assembly as enshrined in Zimbabwe’s Constitution and human rights treaties such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Zimbabwe is a state party.
Yours sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
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