Prime Minister Gordon Brown accused Robert Mugabe of stealing the Zimbabwean presidential election in an address to the United Nations security council Wednesday. Great Britain stepped up its criticisms on President Mugabe than recent approaches. Brown said that the election was stolen and Mugabe could not fool people into thinking the election was by any means democratic. He went on to comment on standing up for human rights and democracy for a better future for the Zimbabwean people. South African President and other African leaders took an even firmer stance against Mugabe. UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon called for action by Zimbabwe and its neighbors. He also said that the UN would send observers to monitor a second round of elections if one took place.
This story contains prominence and timeliness because the conflict in Zimbabwe has been escalating since the election results released announced Robert Mugabe as president. Tension and violence in the country has been on the rise, especially on the part of Mugabe’s supporters who have been accused of using acts of violence agains civilians. The conflict will only increase if nothing is done to stop it now. The United Nations is calling on other countries to put pressure on the Zimbabwean government in power to use fair and democratic means. Human rights are in jeopardy because of Mugabe’s actions and leaders around the world are now stepping their criticisms in order to help prevent more violence. (The Guardian, 4/17/08, p. 1)
The most interesting story of the week was on a former Scotland Yard detective who was arrested on suspicison of murder for a man who was killed 21 years ago. Sid Fillery, who is now 61 years old, is believed to connected to the murder of Daniel Morgan that occurred in 1987. Morgan was a detective for an agency he set up with friend Jonathan Rees. He was killed in the back of the head with an axe while on his way to meet Rees over some conflicts they were having. Rees, 53, was also arrested along Monday with four others in connection to the murder. Morgan’s brother Alastair has been fighting for decades to keep the case open. He hopes that soon this tragedy will be put to a close for him and his family. (The Guardian, 4/22/08, p. 3)
A Chinese cargo ship carrying 77 tons of weapons was sent to Zimbabwe yesterday to aid Mugabe’s regime. (The Guardian, 4/18/08, p. 1) Radical Muslim cleric, Abu Izzadeen, was sent to jail Friday for 4½ years for charges of inciting and funding terrorism. (The Guardian, 4/19/08, p. 4) Pope Benedict XVI arrived at the White House Wednesday greeted by thousands of people hoping to catch a glimpse of him. (The Guardian, 4/17/08, p. 7) Investigators found that British arms dealers have been selling weapons, missile techonology, and nuclear componenets to Iran. (The Guardian, 4/20/08, p. 6) The first national teachers strike in 21 years Thursday could result in the closing of 1,000 schools in England and Wales. (The Guardian, 4/21/08, p. 1)
