The African National Congress respects the ruling of the Constitutional Court on the application by ANC President Jacob Zuma on the lawfulness of search and seizure operations by the Scorpions.

The ANC respects the right of all citizens to freely exercise their constitutional rights and to seek whatever legal recourse they consider necessary.

The ANC reaffirms its support for its president and the principle of equality before the law. For this reason, ANC leaders and supporters will gather outside the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Monday 4 August to demonstrate this support.

The ANC reiterates its view that the manner in which this case has been handled by the authorities over the last few years has reinforced the perception that the ANC President is being persecuted rather than merely prosecuted. It has also fuelled doubts about his chances of receiving a fair hearing.

Statement issued by Jessie Duarte, African National Congress spokesperson, July 31 2008