12 March 2007

Lawyers in Zimbabwe are trying to get access to key members of the opposition arrested on Sunday in Harare after riot police broke up a public meeting.

The opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has demanded the immediate release of its members, which include its leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

It described the arrests as an act of intimidation and harassment.

Mr Tsvangirai and five colleagues were seized after trying to hold a meeting, and one activist was shot dead.

The government said the rally breached a ban on political gatherings.

The US condemned the crackdown and called for the release of those in custody.

"The United States government condemns the brutal and unwarranted actions of the government of Zimbabwe March 11 in attacking its citizens peacefully gathered to exercise their legitimate democratic rights," spokesman Sean McCormack said.

"We hold President Robert Mugabe and the government of Zimbabwe accountable for the government's actions today, and for the safety and well-being of those in custody."

However, there has been no word so far from any of Zimbabwe's neighbours.

Warning shots

BBC Southern Africa correspondent Peter Biles says the MDC, which split into two rival factions more than a year ago, came together at the weekend in a rare show of unity aimed at trying to resolve the political and economic crisis in the country.

MORGAN TSVANGIRAI 1952: Born in Gutu, central Zimbabwe Left school early to seek work 1974: Started working in a mine 1988: Secretary General on the ZCTU 1997: Organised anti-government strikes 1999: Helped form MDC 2000: MDC won 57 parliamentary seats 2000: Charged with treason, later dismissed 2002: Lost elections to Mugabe, charged with treason 2003: Charged with treason   Tsvangirai profile

They were joined by civic and religious organisations in a coalition called the Save Zimbabwe Campaign.

Riot police used tear gas and water cannons as they fought battles with activists gathered for the rally, opposition officials said.

A police spokesman said warning shots were fired after the group defied orders to disperse.

Three police officers were injured and were being treated in hospital, he said.

Officials for the MDC told the BBC that Mr Tsvangirai and his colleagues were being held at Highfield police station.

MDC spokesman Eliphas Mukonoweshuro said the rally was not political and therefore not subject to the provisions of the public order act.

A three-month ban on political meetings was imposed after violence at an opposition rally last month.

Robert Mugabe, who has led Zimbabwe since independence in 1980, retains an iron grip on power.

Last month, in an interview to mark his 83rd birthday, the veteran president said he had no intention of stepping down.

However civil discontent is rising over the economic crisis, with chronic unemployment and inflation running at more than 1,700% - the highest in the world. -BBC

Do you have a story? Then e-mail news@nehandaradio.com . If its a good one you might earn yourself money for the effort.

For general comments and feedback e-mail: editor@nehandaradio.com