EU criticizes detention of Zimbabwe minister nominee Bennett

Oct 16, 2009, 8:50 GMT

Stockholm - Sweden, the current holder of the presidency of the European Union, said it was 'deeply concerned' over the recent detention in Zimbabwe of Roy Bennett, a senior member in the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).

The Swedish EU presidency late Thursday issued a statement calling for 'an end to politically motivated persecution in Zimbabwe,' also noting reports of 'unsubstantiated legal measures' against several MDC parliamentarians in recent months.

Bennett has been nominated as deputy minister for agriculture in the power-sharing government between the MDC and President Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF.

In February he was arrested and charged with plotting to overthrow Mugabe. The charges were later changed. The allegations include possession of weapons with intent to commit banditry, insurgency and terrorism.

Bennett, who denies the charges, was recently remanded in custody and a court hearing is pending.

The EU meanwhile said it was prepared to offer the power-sharing government help to carry out reforms including improving respect for human rights and restoration of the rule of law.

Last month an EU delegation including EU commissioner for development and humanitarian aid Karel de Gucht and Swedish International Development Cooperation Minister Gunilla Carlsson visited Zimbabwe for talks with President Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai of the MDC.

The EU in 2002 introduced travel bans and froze assets owned by Mugabe and members of his inner circle.