Groups urge end to kidnappings in Zimbabwe

HARARE, Zimbabwe, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Several international human rights organizations Wednesday called for an end to abductions of human rights activists and others in Zimbabwe.

Besides seeking an end to the abductions and the release of those being held, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the Open Society Institute urged regional and international organizations to act to protect activists and people who oppose Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe and his government, HRW said in a statement.

The abductions are occurring as the country faces several crises, including a cholera outbreak and severe food shortages for which the government is seeking international help, the organizations said.

"Behind the political crisis and health emergency, there is a worsening human rights crisis in Zimbabwe, with the most recent development being this unprecedented spate of abduction of human rights defenders," said Irene Khan, secretary-general of Amnesty International. "This shows the audacity of a regime that is desperate to stay in power, no matter what the cost."

A Zimbabwean judge, meanwhile, ordered police to search for Jestina Mukoko, a human rights activist who was taken from her home by a group of armed men last week, The Times of London reported.

At least 20 people, including officials of Morgan Tsvangirai's opposition Movement for Democratic Change, have gone missing have haven't been heard from in recent months, the British newspaper said.