Renowned Zimbabwean musician Winky D has been featured in a recent Human Rights Watch report released last Thursday.
The report paints a concerning picture of the human rights situation in Zimbabwe, highlighting widespread violations by authorities.
The Human Rights Watch report, based on extensive research and interviews with opposition leaders, election observers, lawyers, activists, and ordinary citizens, finds that Zimbabwean authorities have failed to uphold fundamental human rights enshrined in both the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and People's Rights.
Winky D has faced the brunt of this crackdown, particularly since the release of his politically charged album "Eureka Eureka" in January 2023.
The album's lyrics criticising social and political injustices, corruption, and the economic crisis in Zimbabwe drew the ire of authorities.
“On March 4th, 2023, police shut down the show of a popular musician Wallace Chirimiko. Popularly known as ‘Winky D’, the reggae-dancehall artist had released an album that contained lyrics against social and political injustice, corruption, and the economic meltdown in Zimbabwe,” the report reads.
The report explicitly states: "The authorities' continued suppression of meetings and gatherings by the opposition, artists, critics, and human rights defenders constitute a blatant violation of the right to freedom of assembly."
The report raised serious concerns about the conduct of the August 23, 2023, general elections, which saw Emmerson Mnangagwa retained as president.
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Many observers, including the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), deemed the elections as failing to meet constitutional and international standards, citing irregularities and a lack of impartiality from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
The report also details a climate of threats, intimidation and violence against political opponents, further undermining the electoral environment.
"In light of these findings, Human Rights Watch urges Zimbabwean authorities to "immediately cease all improper and unlawful interference in election-related activities, as guaranteed by domestic, regional, and international human rights law and standards," the report reads.
