Brussels, 22 May 2008: The trial of Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) President Lovemore Matombo and Secretary-General Wellington Chibebe was today scheduled for 23 June by the country’s High Court, after the union leaders provided proof that they were scheduled to attend the ILO’s International Labour Conference which runs from 28 May to 13 June in Geneva. The two remain barred from addressing any political gathering. The charges of “communicating falsehoods” and “inciting the public to rise against the government” stem from public May Day addresses given by them at the Dzivaresekwa Stadium.
The ITUC has also expressed its support for a campaign to end violence in Zimbabwe and show solidarity with its people. The campaign will be launched at a series of national events in Africa and elsewhere on Africa Day, 25 May, when people are being asked to “Stand Up For Zimbabwe” (see http://www.standupforzimbabwe.org and http://www.sokwanele.com/article/sokwanele/standupforzimbabwe_190508.html).

The ITUC represents 168 million workers in 155 countries and territories and has 311 national affiliates.

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