31.01.2002

Solidarity call

International Socialist Organisation appeal for funds

Comrades, The International Socialist Organisation Zimbabwe sends you revolutionary greetings and solidarity in the post-Afghanistan war period. The 'new' regime in Afghanistan was created out of the horror created by the world's rulers. This horror is set to continue with the policies imposed by the imperialist forces occupying Afghanistan and their lackeys of the Northern Alliance. The war in Afghanistan is also a war on the world's poor. This war has been vigorously strengthened in Zimbabwe The government of Robert Mugabe and Zanu-PF has just enacted the most viciously repressive legislation since nationalist independence in 1980. It has passed two laws that attack the rights of opposition activists and workers. The Public Order and Security Act (POSA) was signed by Robert Mugabe this week, having been 'fast-tracked' through Zimbabwe's parliament on January 10. This law makes it a criminal offence to criticise the president and government, with jail sentences of up to 20 years. The organisers of any demonstrations also face similar sentences. More importantly, this law is targeted at socialists. It imposes life sentences in jail for any member, leader, supporter or sympathiser of any organisation that uses means outside parliament to bring about change. A socialist newspaper such as ours calling for action will lead to jailings. With inflation 'officially' at over 103% and unemployment at over 70%, Zimbabwe is going through is biggest crisis in history. The rulers of Zimbabwe are only able to promise more repression. The day before the laws were passed in parliament, the heads of army, military, police and secret police called a press conference and announced that they would not accept any elected president that does not come from Zanu-PF. They pre-empted any opposition electoral victory. But the trade union leadership has not taken this lying down. The head of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions has threatened to call mass action against the POSA and strikes if the military and police do not accept an opposition presidential election victory. To this end we in the ISO, together with the ZCTU and National Constitutional Assembly, are organising a demonstration to be held in three weeks' time against these draconian laws. We are therefore making an urgent appeal for financial assistance to help us in our struggle. We need to produce leaflets and put out our newspaper to intervene and to lead the struggle in Zimbabwe. Donations can be sent to a bank account in England that we have set up. The details are: First Direct Bank, 40 Wakefield Road, Leeds, LS98 1FO, United Kingdom. Account name: John Page; sort code: 40-47-78; account number: 1118 54 89. Please email details of deposits to isozim@hotmail.com Comradely Rosa Zulu National treasurer, ISO Zimbabwe