PRESS NOTICE – 18th February 2009 

Zimbabwean exiles in the UK are to mark Mugabe’s 85th birthday on Saturday 21st February by gathering outside the Zimbabwe Embassy in London to mirror the birthday party being arranged for him while our country starves. 

Zimbabwean human rights activist Fungayi Mabhunu, wearing a Mugabe mask, will play the role of the octogenarian tyrant as he tucks into a banquet of 8,000 lobsters and 4,000 portions of caviar washed down by 2,000 bottles of champagne (’61 Bollinger preferred) and 500 bottles of whisky.  

The demonstration is organised by the Zimbabwe Vigil which has been protesting outside the Embassy every Saturday for more than 6 years in support of free and fair elections.  

Vigil Co-ordinator Rose Benton said ‘We are appalled at the extravagance at a time when most of our people are relying on international food aid to survive. What signal does this give to the outside world to whom we look for help?’   

Event: Mugabe’s birthday celebrations.
Venue: outside the Zimbabwe Embassy, 429 Strand, London WC2.Date: Saturday, 21st February 2009
Programme:
2 – 6 pm Zimbabwean protest including singing, drumming, dancing.
4 pm – Tableau of Mugabe and his consort (Amazing) Grace tucking into champagne, lobsters and caviar while thousands of Zimbabweans die of starvation and cholera. 

Health and Safety Notice: cameramen watch out for Grace and her diamond knuckledusters. 

Contact: Rose Benton (07970 996 003, 07932 193 467) and Fungayi Mabhunu (07743 662 046)