Harare, Zimbabwe – Job Sikhala Jr, the son of a prominent Zimbabwean opposition leader, has announced his candidacy for parliament in a move that has been described as a powerful statement against political persecution in the country.
Job Sikhala Sr, the Vice Chairman of the opposition party CCC, has been in detention since his arrest in July 2020 on charges of inciting public violence. His arrest and detention have been widely criticized by human rights organizations and the international community.
In a tweet, award-winning journalist Hopewell Chin’ono expressed his support for Job Sikhala Jr’s decision to run for parliament, describing it as a powerful statement that the imprisonment of his father would not imprison his father’s work.
“This is a powerful statement that imprisoning his father will not imprison his father’s work. His father is in prison for fighting for his people! All the very best to Job Junior,” Chin’ono wrote.
Job Sikhala Jr’s decision to run for parliament is seen as a continuation of his father’s fight for democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe. CCC has been at the forefront of the fight against the ruling Zanu-PF party, which has been accused of human rights abuses and stifling political opposition.
In an interview with local media, Job Sikhala Jr said he was inspired by his father’s commitment to the struggle for democracy and the rule of law in Zimbabwe.
“I have seen my father’s commitment to the struggle for democracy, justice and human rights in Zimbabwe. I want to continue that fight and ensure that the voices of the people are heard in parliament,” he said.
The announcement of Job Sikhala Jr’s candidacy has been welcomed by opposition supporters, who see it as a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of political persecution.
“Job Sikhala Jr’s decision to run for parliament is a powerful statement against political persecution in Zimbabwe. It shows that the fight for democracy and human rights will not be silenced,” said an opposition supporter who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The Zimbabwean government has been accused of using arbitrary arrests and detention as a means of silencing political opposition and civil society organizations. Human rights organizations have called for the release of Job Sikhala Sr and other political prisoners in the country.
The announcement of Job Sikhala Jr’s candidacy is expected to add more pressure on the government to respect human rights and uphold the rule of law.
Source/ Masimba News