Little to celebrate

WEDNESDAY, April 18, was the day set aside by the government of and for the people of Zimbabwe to celebrate their country s 27th year of independence. The situation for most Zimbabweans is that they are living in a country racked by hunger, poverty and a

WEDNESDAY, April 18, was the day set aside by the government of and for the people of Zimbabwe to celebrate their country's 27th year of independence.

The situation for most Zimbabweans is that they are living in a country racked by hunger, poverty and a repressive regime of brutality. Imprisonment and torture are the norm for anyone who dares to speak out against the ruling party and its president. There will be little to celebrate. This is a terribly sad country.

It was blossoming, with interaction between ex-colonialists and local population. Then money took power in the name of oil. Now it is being destroyed by a ruling group of corrupt power-seekers and controllers of people who are unable to develop their own lives.

Given the recent instances of police brutality against opposition party supporters, and seeing in this country the highest level of inflation in the world, it's clear that the situation is desperate in Zimbabwe.

While millions continue to have their basic civil, political and socio-economic rights squashed, we should not, in all conscience, stand aside and do nothing.

Please go to www.amnesty.org.uk and give the people of Zimbabwe your support.

FIONA CAITHNESS, Huntingdonshire Amnesty International, Station Road, Catworth