Zimbabwe trial: Your reaction

Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai is urging "national reconciliation" following his acquittal of treason charges.

A court cleared Mr Tsvangirai of plotting to kill President Robert Mugabe ahead of the controversial 2002 elections.

The government condemned the acquittal saying "a guilty man had been allowed to walk free".

Mr Tsvangirai faces another treason trial next month.

Could Mr Tsvangirai get his hopes of "national reconciliation"? What do you think about the verdict? Did you expect the judge to clear Mr Tsvangirai? What does the verdict say about Zimbabwe and its judicial system? What do you think of the government's reaction? Send us your views using the postform.

This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments

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Your comments:

It looks as if Zimbabwe's High Court is headed for extinction. The thugs comprising Mugabe's government won't let the acquittal stand. Anything (nasty) goes in Zimbabwe these days. It has become an archetypal pariah state - so much for the glories of African nationalism.
Dr Allan Healy, Wollongong, Australia

On the acquittal of Morgan Tsvangirai, we Zimbabweans should note that it was a long awaited surprise but there may be more good surprises coming our way. We must keep on praying to Almighty God, who looks after the poor, the weak and the oppressed. His mighty hand will stir this country out of its mess. Let us thank Him and be truly grateful.
Juliet Chadzingwa, London, UK

Didn't MDC intelligence know that Dickson is a Zanu PF agent? Mwana Wevhu, Harare

Facts are Morgan had a meeting with Dickson, he does not dispute that. He should just thank God that the tape was inaudible. Anyway, why should an unintelligent party rule Zimbabwe, didn't MDC intelligence know that Dickson is a Zanu PF agent?
Mwana Wevhu, Harare, Zimbabwe

It is difficult to say if Morgan T was guilty or not because big brother Bob was the ultimate judge. I feel Bob decided to set Morgan free in order to avoid an international outcry. Otherwise I don't believe Morgan is the Messiah the people of Zimbabwe are looking for out of 12 million Zimbabwean brains there must surely be brains better than those of old man Bob and Morgan combined.
Malambo Gwaba, Gaborone, Botswana

I hid my name because I do not trust the judiciary despite the verdict. It is obvious that it is the result of pressure, probably from South Africa. Thabo Mbeki couldn't allow a guilty verdict without jeopardising his stature. I hope more pressure will come. Four Million exiles hope Mr Bush will win on November 2 and help us to free Zimbabwe and then all of us (myself included) can go back. Long live Morgan.
ABK, Germany (ex Zim)

I hope the world will not be fooled by Mugabe's recent antics to find the MDC leader not guilty. It has been his ploy all along to acquit Tsvangirai near the election, to improve his global image and fool the world that there is democracy in Zimbabwe. Forget about Munangagwa's insistence that the government will appeal against the decision, he is trying to sound as if it hurts, when he knew all along that the MDC leader was innocent! I would like to congratulate all the opposition parties in Zimbabwe for declaring that they will not participate in the forthcoming general election if the election body remains under Mugabe's belt and he fails to implement the SADC principles.
Daniel Sebata, Bournemouth, UK

Let Zimbabweans realise that they have a life after you Halima Athumani, Kampala

Bravo to Tsvangirai over his acquittal in that lawless country. I truly hope that Mugabe is not going to think of something else to see Tsvangirai go under and let him salvage Zimbabwe into more poverty. I'm sure this ruling was one way of Mugabe trying to convince the rest of the world that his country has a small percentage of democracy. Tsvangirai despite the remaining treason charges, keep fighting for your people and let's see a ray of light shine once again in Zimbabwe. For Mugabe, it's time you left power and let Zimbabweans realise that they have a life after you.
Halima Athumani, Kampala, Uganda

Zimbabwe has proved that courts are more impartial there than in many self-proclaimed democracies.
Arnold, Espoo, Finland

I congratulate the courts in Zimbabwe for managing to operate with any degree of impartiality in such a charged political atmosphere.
Chris, Aberystwyth, Wales

Any celebration of victory is premature until the outcome of Morgan Tsvangirai's second treason trial Geoffrey Nyarota, USA

It is cynical comment on the state of political affairs in Zimbabwe that Judge President Paddington Garwe should receive accolades for acquitting a man who was so clearly innocent. It is extremely patronizing for anyone, whether on the African continent or in the West, to praise President Mugabe for allowing the judiciary to exercise its constitutionally-enshrined independence, assuming, of course, that the Garwe judgement this week was not subject to extra-judicial interference.

Any celebration of victory is premature until the outcome of Morgan Tsvangirai's second treason trial, which is strategically timed to influence the outcome of the pending parliamentary elections, should the MDC participate. I am not in a position to state whether or not Tsvangirai is a willing tool of the West, as alleged by the Mugabe government's propaganda machinery.

I believe, however, that I can vouch for the fact that the millions of both urban and rural voters who braved widespread violence to endorse the MDC in the 2000 parliamentary and 2002 presidential elections were certainly not tools of the West. Neither was the electorate that voted Mugabe into power in 1980 influenced by Communist China, as alleged by Ian Smith's propaganda machinery. Those who make such preposterous suggestions insult the intelligence of the people of Zimbabwe.
Geoffrey Nyarota (Founding Editor-in-Chief of The Daily News), Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

Don't let this bright light blind you to the darkness behind it! FBB, Nassau, Bahamas

Let us not forget the back drop of torture, rape and extra-judicial killing that lies behind this apparent triumph of justice. Let the media keep their eyes on the judge as well as his nearest and dearest. These people are vindictive. Let us not forget that many of Zimbabwe's threatened farms were purchased after independence. Let us not forget that whether the land reform policy is just is not the point. The point is that the country has experienced, and will experience, widespread starvation as a result.

Let us not forget that a man who is defending himself against serious charges - no matter how baseless - does not have time to lead an opposition effectively. Let us not forget that hard-won funds are being diverted from campaigning to defending. Let us not forget that a hard-pressed opposition leader does not have the resources to vet everyone he has to meet. Let us not forget that an opposition leader who might one day assume power has a duty to make contact with foreign governments and organisations. Don't let this bright light blind you to the darkness behind it!
FBB, Nassau, Bahamas

There can be no national reconciliation in Zimbabwe as long as peoples' right to information is curtailed Siphosenkosi, Harare

There can be no national reconciliation in Zimbabwe as long as peoples' right to information is curtailed. The outcome of the trail for example is cynically being broadcast on public media, and Tsvangirai's comments will never be aired on radio or Television, unless taken out of context to undermine his credibility. The judge I think was first cleared by Mugabe himself, (as I am sure was done on challenge to the election result which was clearly rigged) no wonder the delay in its handing out. I think the state had to weigh the diplomatic consequences of a guilty judgement. The government's reaction is purely sarcastic.
Siphosenkosi, Harare, Zimbabwe

The judiciary in Zimbabwe should continue to be the last hope for Mugabe's bullying of his own citizens Mike Moande, Lusaka, Zambia

We helped this nation attain independence. Our desire and hope was that it would follow our footsteps and be another oasis of peace. A country that would respect the rule of law and be an African model for democracy. I guess we were wrong. However, whatever the case may be, the judiciary in Zimbabwe should continue to be the last hope for Mugabe's bullying of his own citizens. The case against Mr Tsvangirai was politically motivated and I'm glad that the courts in Zimbabwe seems to be working
Mike Moande, Lusaka, Zambia

It proves that even Zimbabwe is more democratic and fair than the liberal West. How many innocents are illegally held and tortured by the West in Guantanamo, Afghanistan, and Iraq without even any access to a legal system?
Rita, Egypt

Mr Tsvangirai, it is time work with the Zimbabwean government, not with Western imperialists. Africa is for Africans, not for Americans, British, or any other colonial rulers.
Ikeogu Okoro, Nigeria/USA

Mugabe must be chuckling to himself right now. This was a win/win for him. If Tsvangirai had been found guilty, great. Another irritation removed. If he is found not-guilty, great. It refutes the claim of those who say the rule of law has been subverted in Zimbabwe. The situation remains the same as before the trial. Tsvangirai still is on bail for another treason charge with his next trial due to happen close to the elections next year. Not a bad fall back position for Mugabe.
Clive, USA/ex Kenya

I think it is a great outcome and a glimmer of hope that Zimbabwe can still return to it place as one of Africa's jewels.
Alan Burnett, New Zealand

Good for democracy and it shows Zimbabweans have a justice system that works.
Velempini Ndlovu, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Justice is what the people of Zimbabwe want to see. The Chinamasas and Moyos in Zanu PF should know that one day they shall account for their actions and utterances.
T Chisi, Harare

The acquittal of Morgan Tsvangirai is welcome but the world must be very cautious now. The judge did notice that the whole case was a set- up and did the right thing by throwing the frivolous allegations in the dustbin. Still to come though are the other "allegations" of trying to overthrow a "democratically" elected head of State. Mugabe has his mind set for this one. The first was basically to hoodwink the Mbeki's of this world who think the whole world is against Bob.
George Timuri, Margate, UK

This really demonstrates that there is rule of law in Zim. Shame on the Western media. Viva Mugabe, long live African presidents.
Bernard, Harare

We should not be cheering the process Maurice Achach, Kenya

We should not be cheering the process. The trials are an effective means of perpetuating the dictatorship while giving it a form of legitimacy. Mugabe is not suicidal enough to hang a popular formidable foe like Morgan Tsvangirai. Courts are a good tool to keep the opposition scurrying in a dark room, preoccupied with splitting hairs that are not there. Meanwhile the world is kept focusing on the circus while other injustices continue.
Maurice Achach, Nairobi, Kenya

Mugabe's and Zanu's perception of the armed forces, the police and the judiciary is that they are simply instruments. Instruments which are to be used wherever and whenever possible for opportunistic, personal and political ends. They are not only willing to subvert the institutions of law and justice - they do so by malicious intent. The whole of the forces of freedom, justice and democracy in the world should be marshalled against this tyranny.
Rob, Australia

You praise the judiciary in Zimbabwe? What a mockery, this is just a plot by Mugabe to make it seem as if the judge acted impartially. In the meantime, it is a way of diminishing the huge international pressure he would have faced with the alternative sentence.
Macharia Weru, Brighton

It's sad that the world media, especially in the UK, has been overly negative and biased in its reporting of affairs in Zimbabwe. It rankles and irritates that even the Tories have joined the bandwagon. I am not surprised by the verdict, because it shows the Judiciary system is still a creature of the Law. The best way forward is not to treat Mugabe like a Pariah, as Britain and America are doing, but to open dialogue and find a truly African solution to what is an African problem.
Zvina Mutandiro, London, UK

Sometimes the judicial system does work the way it is supposed to. Juliet, Harare, Zimbabwe

As a journalist, I have had the pleasure of interviewing Morgan Tsvangirai and Robert Mugabe. Both men believe in what they are doing and both men are very sincere in their goals. Morgan has always been a supporter of the man on the street, a role he is terribly good at. I was sure he was going to be found guilty and hanged from the neck. The surprise was on me. Sometimes the judicial system does work the way it is supposed to.
Juliet, Harare, Zimbabwe

Tsvangirai is innocent, and I'm glad that the court was honest in this case. I'm amazed that the government did not intervene.
Chris, Bucharest, Romania

The acquittal of Morgan Tsvangirai is of course good news to all democratic forces in the world. No one in their right mind ever saw a guilty verdict in this case, simply because the key state witness was not credible. Secondly President Mugabe has along history of characterizing any different views from his as treasonable. Ndabaningi Sithole, Joshua Nkomo, Ndubiso Ndabengwa, Lookout Masuku faced similar challenges. My main concern is that Zanu PF will try to achieve what it has failed to get through the courts by other means. They may actually try to eliminate Morgan physically. This is not beyond the tradition and practice of this party. So the world should not take its eyes off Zimbabwe. Concerned Zimbabwean
Charles, Toronto, Canada

The verdict is the best thing which has ever happened in Zimbabwean history but the unfortunate thing is, how much can we trust Mugabe and his canning methods? We just pray and hope there are no more uneducated plots still being cooked behind the scenes. We now know Robert's plans and I definitely do not trust him!
Heavy K Mzila, Stockton-on-Tees

This verdict is by no means a vindication of the judiciary, it took the judge a very long time to make a ruling, this in my mind should tell us a lot.
Nazir Lunat, Stockton, California, USA

A judgement for Tsvangirai was already influenced by the Western media Munya, St Louis, USA

I have watched how the media and the Western world has supported its kith and kin in Zimbabwe. A judgement for Tsvangirai was already influenced by the Western media. Any other outcome would have been a blow to their interest in regime change so as to maintain the injustices of colonial era. There cannot be good governance with social injustices influenced by previous evil regimes which the West institutionalised and supported in Zimbabwe. I view Tsvangirai and MDC as a perpetuation of the injustices of the colonial era! He wants to take over power and enrich himself at all cost. The only way to do that is not to talk about land reform!
Munya, St Louis, MO, USA (Zimbabwean)

Delighted with the verdict! Won the battle - but not the war. May all Zimbabweans take strength from this victory and never give up! This is important not only for Zimbabwe but for all of Africa.
Ramatlala, South Africa

Thank you Mr Mugabe for not interfering with the court process. You sir allow due process. This court case is a triumph for the legal system of Zimbabwe, a credit to your court staff, judges and legal personnel. I am surprised after having heard negative things in the media that the rule of law has prevailed. I am apolitical. Credit where credit is due. I think it is time for the world to realise that Mugabe like the WMD is not as harmful as portrayed and should open dialogue with him. Supporters of MDC and Zanu PF should enjoy Tsvangirai's victory as that for the rule of law.
Jcoby, UK

I am very glad. At least their justice system is not as corrupt as I thought. Mugabe stands out as possibly the most evil creature in power in the world today; how tragic it is that almost every African leader becomes a torturing tyrant. Let us hope that the political future of Zimbabwe will not be marred by more of the same and why are the leaders of our world doing nothing to relieve the suffering of the Zimbabwe people? Oh yeah, no oil. Of course.
A Rye, UK/Spain

I honestly thought Mr Tsvangirai would be found guilty Mike, London

The verdict pleases me. I honestly thought Mr Tsvangirai would be found guilty. This possibly lends hope to the fact that the judicial system has not completely failed... or maybe Mugabe realises that if Tsvangirai was found guilty an armed uprising would be eminent? Mugabe is a poor leader and a corrupt and evil man. He manages Zimbabwe for no-one but himself and his close allies. He is a tyrant and a dictator. I only wish he had vast reserves of oil, then maybe the USA would spread their liberty and freedom.
Mike, London

I believe this was a plot set up by others who want to take over the Presidency, because if Mr Mugabe executed Mr Tsvangirai, it would mean another problem out of the way for them hovering in the wings like vultures.
Donette, Harare, Zimbabwe

The verdict will suit Mugabe well. He will argue that there is rule of law and an independent judiciary in Zim and will try to look good to the world. Zanu PF expects international pressure to decline and the sanctions to be lifted. This is a political game. It was a foregone conclusion Tsvangirai was innocent... the verdict had to come at the right time when MDC seems to be weak. And if Tsvangirai had been found guilty Mugabe's image would further be tarnished and MDC would have renewed and potentially explosive cause.
Susan, UK/Zim

The verdict didn't surprise me. For some strange reason Mugabe still thinks the political powerhouses of the world might do something if he takes it too far. Woe the Zimbos when he realises that Bush and Blair are all talk when it comes to Africa - I find it amazing that genocides can take place in Africa and foreign ministers trade diplomatic vocal punches - and in the same breath defend their decision to go to war in Iraq with no proof of WMD?! Is it a hang up to do with colonialism?
Andy Johnson, London, UK

Tony Blair would love to have Morgan Tsvangirai in power to serve the British interest which is not being served by Mugabe. Mr Blair has lost a lot of credibility. Morgan Tsvangirai will be no different to Mugabe. They are all corrupt tin pot dictators. The only difference is that Morgan Tsvangirai will play ball with Blair. I doubt if Zimbabwe and its judicial system will be independent under the MDC. It is under Mugabe. Like it or not.
Anil, Watford, UK

I hope that he does not meet with the threats or accidents which have befallen others who stand up for justice and truth Anon, London, England

Judge Paddington Garwe is to be commended both for his correct and wise judgement, and for his bravery. I hope that he does not meet with the threats or accidents which have befallen others who stand up for justice and truth in Zimbabwe. Along with other Zimbabweans, I hope and pray that this marks the start of the long awaited process to get rid of Mugabe and Zanu PF, however I fear that it is more likely to kick off an even more vicious, immoral, unjust and malicious backlash from Mugabe, his police and army, and the so called war veterans who in truth are nothing more than a bunch of politically brainwashed young thieves.
Anon, London, England

I'm glad Morgan has been acquitted. The MDC cannot fight ZANU-PF alone. It needs the help of the AU. I'm disappointed at the deafening silence shown by the AU. What a shame. Bravo Tsvangirai!
Nathanael, Kent, England

It's not yet over as the other hearing awaits next month.
John Huni, Harare, Zimbabwe

This is a massive blow to the young turk, Jonathan Moyo, his messiah Robert Mugabe, and all the Zanuists. Remember MDC stands on a strong footing of funds and experts. We will never go down like other parties did, let alone when change is imminent.
Captain RT Mnyazozo, Harare, Zimbabwe

Let's not be fooled. Mugabe is too clever. This is the sweetener before the bitterness of a rigged election next year. You need to understand the mentality of the Mugabe regime to realise that they are calculating, lying, thieving dictators.
Jonathan Chibafa, Putney, London

This was the final stage of a well-executed plan: ensure your opponent is fully distracted for a year or two so he cannot concentrate on his political ambitions; and then acquit him to give the courts a veneer of legitimacy. Don't underestimate Mugabe - he is an extremely shrewd and effective dictator.
Zimbabwean, London

Tsvangirai is a stooge for the white landholders in Zimbabwe Bill Goldman, USA

Tsvangirai is a stooge for the white landholders in Zimbabwe. Whether he was framed by the security services or not, it is clear that he was siding with those who opposed land reform and promises made 20 years ago that there would be redistribution of land. British interests and supplicant press account for the worldwide campaign against Mugabe. They can't give up their dirty colonial exploitation practices. Mugabe has shown he can do without foreign financing even if it means more austerity. Castro and Cuba have demonstrated their ability to face down a punishing boycott and Zimbabwe can do it too.
Bill Goldman, Annapolis, MD, USA

This outcome of this case is just another political gimmick, a smoke screen of sorts. What is known is that Mr Tsvangirai has another treason case to answer, therefore the judgement of this case does not change his fate.
George G Banda, Mchinji, Malawi

The more Tsvangirai mingles with the international world the more he becomes lethal to Mugabe Jack Zaba, Harare, Zimbabwe

Tsvangirai's judgment had indeed become a double edged sword to Mugabe. The verdict now puts egg on his face, as the world views him with shame for such uncalled for desire to incarcerate the leader of the opposition. ZanuPF will seize this opportunity to wax lyrical of the impartiality of our judiciary system. They will centre their talk on desperately trying to prove that the verdict shows how impartial the judiciary is in Zimbabwe. But all the more they new that this was going to be a one in the world case if Tsvangirai was to be convicted as their allegations were at worst nonsensical and at best baffling.

I however maintain that Mugabe knew that this would work in Tsvangirai's favour, but the importance of constantly dragging Tsvangirai to the courts is a cunning ploy to clip the wings of the opposition leader. They did so through seizing the opportunity to take away his travel documents. Yes the more Tsvangirai mingles with the international world the more he becomes lethal to Mugabe. And look at it - ever since he was charged he has not set foot in any foreign land. So these fake allegations against him are handy to the ruling party as they keep him under control.
Jack Zaba, Harare, Zimbabwe

This news shows a glimmer of hope for the MDC, and for Zimbabwe as a whole. This ruling shows that the judges remain somewhat independent. If they weren't, Mr Tsvangirai would be dead by now. But the MDC should not boycott the elections next year, as that will only strengthen Mugabe's hold on the country.
Thomas Black, Wolverhampton

This Zimbabwean judiciary verdict proves that there is a ray of hope in the new revolution, which is desperately required for the emancipation of Zimbaweans from this crazy tyrannical government. The judiciary has shown that Vis Est Armis (By force of arms) is not the only route to be taken for freedom, which seems to be the common historic route which corrupt and totalitarian African governments are displaced and opposition parties are ushered into political and government corridors, but that the rule of law can prevail.
Edgar Masendeke, Wolverhampton, England

This is a victory for MDC, not just its leadership because it was MDC on trial Moses Sithole

The judgement is the correct one. This shows when ever the rule of law is applied fairly (in Zimbabwe) Mugabe will always lose. The rule of law in this case has been applied fairly and transparently. This is a victory for MDC, not just its leadership because it was MDC on trial.
Moses Sithole

Unless the world can come to an understanding that the evils of bad administrations have to be countered, we will go on blathering about this sort of case, this sort of country. Just look at the sort of human desecration that occurs in Rwanda or Sudan. The UN and the BBC may wish to support sovereignty and the illegitimate votes of illegitimate regimes, but failure to halt these travesties will ensure the continuation of the inhumanity of man to man. We are all sick of the inability to deal with the real sources of evil. Sick, also, of the urge to apply band aids to the wounds of the ordinary folk, and call that act compassion. It is cowardice; it is being an accessory after the fact.
Anon, Australia

The fact that Mr Tsvangirai has been acquitted shouldn't portray any improvement in the judicial services in Zimbabwe Ikki Samuel, Århus, Denmark

The fact that Mr Tsvangirai has been acquitted shouldn't portray any improvement in the judicial services in Zimbabwe, after all the senior judges only take instructions from State House. In Third world dictatorships, opposition politicians are in most cases hauled in to law courts, not in order to send them to prison at the end of the trial but as a form of intimidation and to expose the opposition politicians to the limitation (both social and economical) faced by people accused of capital crimes. In short they let the courts do their dirty work when claiming the judiciary is independent. Of course some noise will be heard from the likes of Prof Moyo in order to give the impression that the judiciary is siding with opposition. Gone are the times we used to be fooled.
Ikki Samuel, Århus, Denmark

The judge is still on Mugabe's side. That's the best result for him. Guilty verdict would have signalled the start of the now and only expected armed struggle from this bunch of criminals.
Tim Darikwa, Nottingham, UK

Mr Tsvangirai and now the judicial system in Zimbabwe have proven with this verdict that Africa is far from taking its own destiny in their hands Ola Oladeji, Paris

The verdict shows that Zimbabwe is yet to be fully independent. How can a country be independent if its judiciary system can be influenced by foreign views? Why has Mr Tsvangirai not been so vocal and charismatic on the unjust land tenure system in his country? That Mugabe is not governing well is part (not the whole) of the story of the poor economic and social conditions of Blacks in that country. Mr Tsvangirai has chosen the party of the wealthy and the colonial master from where he hopes to be able to get the power and get rich. We Africans are used to that kind of tactics with no sense of patriotism.

Mr Tsvangirai and now the judicial system in Zimbabwe have proven with this verdict that Africa is far from taking its own destiny in their hands. It is impossible and unsustainable to ask the vast majority Black to keep quiet and watch the historical injustice to prevail. Yes for national reconciliation but it should not be one way. The privileged white minority should not wait for the government to beg them or compensate them for what they are unduly holding and willing to hang upon. The sufferings and dignity of others should touch them. They have to show a sense of belonging and contribute to stability.
Ola Oladeji, Paris

This is great news. However, does this mean the Zimbabwean Judiciary is independent of political influence? Why were we made to believe otherwise by the media?
Nii Armar, Wimbledon

What Zimbabweans might think of the judgement is irrelevant to the clique that is plundering the country Alan Ricky, Spain

What Zimbabweans might think of the judgement is irrelevant to the clique that is plundering the country. They will continue to do everything they can to retain power. After the people of Zimbabwe, it is the people of South Africa who are suffering most from the Mugabe clique: million of immigrants flooding an overcrowded job market, reduced economic growth due to less trade with Zimbabwe, exports of electricity power being paid late. When will Mbeki throw his (economic) weight at Mugabe?
Alan Ricky, Spain

I sincerely hope that Robert Mugabe will be convicted to the court instead. Mugabe has thrown Zimbabwe deep into starvation, misery and mismanagement during recent years. I sincerely hope that Morgan Tsvangirai will be the next president of Zimbabwe and that he will clean up the mess there.
Jan Andersson, Stockholm, Sweden