HARARE, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF party announced Wednesday that police will begin releasing activists detained during the recent Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) summit, following widespread criticism from human rights organizations and international observers.

Christopher Mutsvangwa, ZANU-PF spokesperson, confirmed in a press briefing that the release process would commence now that the regional meeting has concluded. “With the SADC summit successfully behind us, the authorities will start releasing those who were held to maintain order during this important event,” Mutsvangwa stated.

The announcement comes after Mutsvangwa’s controversial remarks on Tuesday, where he defended the detentions, referring to the activists as “deviants” who were “dealt with properly.” His comments, which included laughter, sparked outrage among human rights advocates.

Over 100 activists were detained in what the government described as a preventive measure against potential protests during the SADC summit. The move drew sharp criticism from local and international human rights groups, who viewed it as a suppression of civil liberties and political freedoms.

Roselyn Hanzi, director of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, which represents many of the detained activists, cautiously welcomed the news of their impending release. “While we’re relieved to hear of their forthcoming release, we remain deeply concerned about the circumstances of their detention and the broader implications for human rights in Zimbabwe,” Hanzi told the Associated Press.

The organization plans to meet with the activists upon their release to document their experiences and consider potential legal actions regarding their detention.

Mary Lawlor, a U.N. special rapporteur on human rights, who had earlier called for the immediate release of the activists, reiterated her concerns about the treatment of detainees. “The release of these activists is a positive step, but it doesn’t erase the fact of their arbitrary detention or the allegations of mistreatment,” Lawlor stated.

Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change, whose members were among those detained, remained critical of the government’s actions. Daniel Molokele, a rights lawyer and opposition legislator, said, “This release doesn’t change the fact that their detention was unlawful and a clear abuse of power. We demand accountability for this violation of citizens’ rights.”

The incident has raised questions about Zimbabwe’s commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership. Since taking power in 2017, Mnangagwa has portrayed himself as a reformer, but critics argue that his government continues to use authoritarian tactics reminiscent of his predecessor, Robert Mugabe.

International observers, including diplomatic missions in Harare, have been closely monitoring the situation. A Western diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted, “The release of these activists is welcome, but it doesn’t address the underlying concerns about political freedoms and human rights in Zimbabwe.”

As the activists are released, attention turns to the potential legal and political ramifications of their detention. Human rights lawyers are considering challenging the legality of the detentions in court, while opposition leaders are calling for an independent inquiry into the matter.

The incident has cast a shadow over Zimbabwe’s hosting of the SADC summit, which was intended to showcase the country’s progress and stability. Instead, it has reignited debate about the state of democracy and civil liberties in the nation, potentially impacting Zimbabwe’s efforts to re-engage with the international community and attract foreign investment.

As the release process begins, many in Zimbabwe and beyond will be watching closely to see how the government handles the aftermath of this controversial episode and whether it will lead to any meaningful changes in the country’s approach to political dissent and civil rights.