UK court refuses Mugabe arrest

Robert Mugabe has been accused of human rights abuses

A UK court has rejected a request to issue a warrant for the arrest of Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe, Bow Street Magistrates has confirmed.

Magistrate Timothy Workman ruled that Mr 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 Mr Mugabe.

Mr Tatchell says the Zimbabwe leader is responsible for human rights abuses.

'Electric shocks'

Zimbabwean journalist Ray Choto submitted written testimony to the court.

We may as well tear up the United Nations' convention against torture and throw it in the bin Peter Tatchell

He alleged that 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 testified that he was tortured after his arrest last year.

"A blast of electric shocks was then administered to my body... I also lost control of my bladder, vomited blood and was forced to drink my urine and lick my vomit," he said in an affidavit.

Mr Tatchell argued that Mr Mugabe "intentionally authorised, condoned and acquiesced" in such acts.

But Mr Workman said: "I am satisfied that Robert Mugabe is president and head of state of Zimbabwe and is entitled while he is head of state to that immunity."

'Urgent reform'

Mr Tatchell condemned the judgement as giving a "free hand" to President Mugabe and all other heads of state to "torture with immunity".

And he called for an urgent reform of human rights laws.

He told News Online: "We may as well tear up the United Nations' convention against torture and throw it in the bin. It offers no protection or redress to people who are tortured on the orders of heads of state."

He said the judgement denied justice to thousands of Zimbabweans who have been subjected to electric shock torture and other brutalities by Mugabe's henchmen.

"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."

In November, Mr Tatchell announced that a rebel group had been formed to topple Mr Mugabe.