PEN's Rapid Action Network (RAN) alerts its members to developments affecting the welfare of writers and journalists around the world. Members are encouraged to respond instantly by writing appeals and passing information on to their contacts.

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Please write a polite letter, or copy the one below, on your personal or institutional letterhead and mail to Minister of Education, Sports and Culture Mr. Cde Aeneas Chigwedere. Please copy appeals to the diplomatic representative for Zimbabwe in your country if possible.

 
[Date]

Mr. Cde Aeneas Chigwedere
Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture
Head Office, Union Avenue
P. O. Box CY 121
Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe
Fax: +263 4  734 075

Your Excellency,

I am writing to protest the banning of the satirical play The Crocodile of Zambezi, and attacks against its cast and crew. I understand that on May 29, 2008, after the play was banned by authorities, production manager Lionel Nkosi was severely beaten and threatened at an isolated location, reportedly by members of the secret service. Actor Aleck Zulu was subsequently beaten by the police.

I am deeply concerned for the ongoing safety of the playwrights and all others associated with critical plays in Zimbabwe, such as The Crocodile of Zambezi, and call on the authorities to respect their right to freedom of expression, as guaranteed by Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Zimbabwe is a signatory, and to cease all attacks against them.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
                          
[Your name and address]