Asylum Seeker To Assist In Mugabe ICC Prosecution?

Ah... I see a plan in the making here.

The United Kingdom allowed a former Central Intelligence Organisation operative asylum in the country, even though he is responsible for some pretty horrendous act again MDC supporters.

rg mugabe crimes against humanity 1zXZS 16744

You will recall, no doubt, my comments on the subject as I feel that there are numerous Zimbabweans scattered throughout the world who are struggling daily to make ends meet and this individual is given it all on a silver platter.

But perhaps the authorities intend to use his insider knowledge...

"Phillip Machemedze, the former Central Intelligence Organisation operative who was granted asylum in the United Kingdom, faces interrogation from International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutors, who are keen to build a case against President Robert Mugabe, sources have revealed.

The development comes at a time when human rights organisations and pressure groups are campaigning for Machemedze’s deportation for violating human rights.

His lawyer, Masimba Mavaza of IEI Solicitors, a former prosecutor at the Harare Magistrates’ Court and lecturer at the Police Staff College, confirmed his client was under pressure although he said he would not testify against the President or any government official.

According to reports from the UK, Machemedze admitted smashing an MDC supporter’s jaw with pliers, and then pulling out his tooth.

He also reportedly took part in the torture and killing of several MDC activists."

I have two points only...

Firstly - was the asylum granted on the proviso that he testify against Mugabe?

Secondly - Machemedze is HIV+ which means that by the time Mugabe is dragged to the ICC, he would died. And Mugabe will probably have joined him.

The idea that Mugabe could be prosecuted in the ICC is foolhardy as we all know that he enjoys the protection of the regional powers, and, as I say, he will probably do a Milosevic who died in custody at the ICC just days before the verdict on his trial for war crimes was due to be delivered.

"His asylum request was initially turned down by the British Home Office which said he had "committed crimes against humanity".

But Justice David Archer of the First Tier Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber allowed Machemedze and his wife’s appeals in a judgment delivered on May 4, 2011. The Home Office is not appealing.

An impeccable source said the case has revealed that Machemedze was granted asylum partly because the UK government wanted him to be questioned by ICC prosecutors, hence the decision by the Home Office not to appeal."

I doubt that we will hear very much more of this man or the intended ICC case against Mugabe.

Robb WJ Ellis

The Bearded Man