LONDON, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- A London court has rejected a request to issue a warrant for the arrest of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, the BBC reported Wednesday.
Magistrate Timothy Workman ruled Mugabe was entitled to immunity as a head of state.
The request was made by human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, who has twice tried to perform a citizens arrest on Mugabe.
Zimbabwean journalist Ray Choto submitted written testimony to the court, alleging he had suffered "asphyxiation by immersion in water bags, electric shock treatment and (was) kept throughout in leg-irons and handcuffs" while he was being detained by military police.
Human rights lawyer Gabriel Shumba also testified he was tortured after his arrest last year.
Tatchell condemned the judgment as giving a "free hand" to Mugabe and all other heads of state to "torture with immunity."
"To stop torture we have to send a signal that torture is everywhere and that, no matter how high their status, those responsible will be arrested and put on trial," Tatchell said.
