Rights group condemns Zimbabwean arrests

HARARE, Zimbabwe, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- The international rights group Amnesty International called for the immediate release of two women's rights activists held in detention in Zimbabwe.

Amnesty International said Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu were arrested arbitrarily Oct. 16 and are still being held in custody at Mlondolozi Prison in the city of Bulawayo. Both were arrested with several other members of the Women of Zimbabwe Arise organization following peaceful protests in the Zimbabwean capital, Harare.

They were denied bail Monday and remain in detention where conditions are far below internationally accepted standards, Amnesty said.

The women were protesting in Harare as Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister-designate Morgan Tsvangirai were brokering a power-sharing deal. The demonstrators were protesting against the slow progress of the talks.

African officials Tuesday called for a summit with the 14-member Southern African Development Community after talks between the two leaders stalled.

Amnesty complains the women were beaten with batons and subjected to tear gas as police tried to disperse the demonstrators. The group spoke out against the arbitrary arrest, use of force and continued detention of the women.

"Amnesty International considers Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu to be prisoners of conscience and calls for their immediate and unconditional release," the group said.