What is the cost of the illicit sale of untold millions of dollars' worth of diamonds being smuggled out of Zimbabwe? The transformation of the city Manica and the Marange fields is only the latest manifestation of a corrupt and violent industry (smuggled stones may account for 10% of the $12-billion-a-year diamond trade).

Here is a glimpse at the violence and human rights violations that have resulted. The photos are uncredited for the photographer's protection.

Zimbabwean soldiers escorting a group of illegal gem panners after their October 2009 arrest in the Marange diamond fields. Prisoners are typically held for one to three days before release to an uncertain fate.

An MP watches over an illegal diamond panner at a detention center in Marange, October 2009.

Elizabeth (not her real name) once sold blankets and other staples to miners in the Marange fields; during a government assault in late 2008, she says, she and other women were beaten and raped by soldiers.

Paul (also a pseudonym) suffered bite wounds to his legs after troops set dogs upon him.

Prisoners being released from detention at the Marange fields, October 2009. Their faces are painted white to indicate they've been processed by the military--to prevent their rearrest before leaving the area.

Learn more: Zimbabwe's Diamond Mines Lead to Rape, Murder, and Thievery