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Mugabe Liable for Cholera Deaths: Report

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 12, 2009 3:59 PM CST
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(Newser) – Pressure from nonprofits and watchdogs is mounting on the UN to intercede in Zimbabwe’s humanitarian crisis, GlobalPost reports. Physicians for Human Rights asserts that Robert Mugabe intentionally dismantled the country’s health and sanitation infrastructure, and is directly responsible for the cholera outbreak that has claimed 1,800 lives. The group urges a UN tribunal or the International Criminal Court to charge the president with crimes against humanity.

“It is not mismanagement, it is calculated. It is criminal,” the group’s CEO said. Others seeking a trial, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, think charges could speed the demise of Mugabe’s dictatorship. Though the effectiveness of such a tack has not been proven, "it is necessary,” one watcher said.

South African Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. Tutu says the world must use the threat of force to oust Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.
South African Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. Tutu says the world must use the threat of force to oust Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.   (AP Photo)
A woman suspected to be suffering from cholera is transported in a wheelbarrow to a clinic for treatment, in Harare.
A woman suspected to be suffering from cholera is transported in a wheelbarrow to a clinic for treatment, in Harare.   (AP Photo)
A young boy prepares to drink clean water from a borehole in Harare.
A young boy prepares to drink clean water from a borehole in Harare.   (AP Photo)
A baby drinks water from her mother's hand in Harare, Zimbabwe.
A baby drinks water from her mother's hand in Harare, Zimbabwe.   (AP Photo)
President Robert Mugabe.
President Robert Mugabe.   (AP Photo)
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe.
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Michael_CT
Jan 12, 2009 11:35 PM CST
Come on world leaders!!! DO something already!!!!
riffran
Jan 12, 2009 8:14 PM CST
That is evil incarnate....at the very least give him cholera
Newser001
Jan 12, 2009 8:10 PM CST
It's about damn time! At this point, unquestionably necessary!

Mugabe warns of 'coup,' tightens military control
Bloomberg

On the continuing cholera epidemic
CBS News

 
health care • Africa • United Nations • Zimbabwe • Robert Mugabe • sanitation • crimes against humanity • International Criminal Court • cholera • Physicians for Human Rights

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