A white Zimbabwean farmer has asked a new southern African court to prevent his land being seized by the government. The Southern African Development Community Tribunal was established last year, based in Namibia, writes BBC online Wednesday.
Michael Campbell wants it to overturn the seizure of his farm, saying it is an example of racial discrimination, which the Sadc treaty outlaws. Mr Campbell has based his case on article 6 of the treaty, which outlaws discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, religion, race, ethnic origin and culture.
Most of Zimbabwes 4.000 white farmers have been forced off their land since 2000 under a government programme.
– If this application is successful, it will raise the matter to an entirely new level within Sadc, that will put the Zimbabwean government at odds with the other member countries, said Adrian de Bourbon, Mr Campbells lawyer.
The tribunal said it would rule this week on whether it has jurisdiction to hear the case.
Mr de Bourbon said that Zimbabwes government had changed the constitution, removing the right of appeal from farm-owners.
Mr Campbell is one of 11 farmers from Chegutu, south-west of Harare, who faces criminal charges for refusing to leave his land. The farmers could face up to two years in jail if found guilty, say reports.
