Condemning the Attack on Zimbabwean Human Rights Lawyer Douglas Coltart

The New York City Bar Association, in a joint statement with other international legal organizations, condemns the violence and intimidation against human rights lawyer Douglas Coltart at a public hearing on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 in Harare on March 31, 2026. The refusal of the organizers to allow Mr. Coltart and others opposed to the amendments to speak during the proceedings, his violent removal from the venue, and subsequent threats constitute a violation of his personal and professional right to freedom of expression, to bodily integrity and to carry out his professional duties without intimidation or reprisal.

The statement’s signatory organizations will continue to monitor the situation for Douglas Coltart, as well as other lawyers and the independence of the legal profession in Zimbabwe. We call on Zimbabwean authorities to, among several measures, conduct a prompt and independent investigation into the actions against Mr. Coltart and take all necessary measures to ensure his safety and the return of his phone; cease all harassment and improper interference with lawyers and judges in the course of their professional duties; and take all necessary measures to ensure lawyers can perform their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or fear of reprisals, and guarantee their physical and psychological integrity.

Read full statement here.