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| Africa Subsaharan |
| Police ban rallies, demonstrations in Zimbabwe |
| 2007-02-23 |
| Police have with immediate effect banned the holding of rallies and public demonstrations in major cities in Zimbabwe by all political parties for three months, the official The Herald reported on Thursday. The blanket ban covers activities by all political organizations alike, whether opposition parties or the ruling Zanu- PF, the newspaper said. The move follows the recent unleashing of violence by opposition MDC supporters resulting in clashes with the police and destruction of property worth millions of dollars in Harare city center and surrounding suburbs. Police chief spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena said political parties could still conduct rallies and public demonstrations in other areas within and around the city subject to approval by police authorities. On Sunday, supporters of the Morgan Tsvangirai-led MDC faction unleashed violence, barricaded roads and brought business to a standstill in Highfield ahead of the opposition party's rally, which failed to take place as they fought running battles with the police. Business ground to a halt at Machipisa Shopping Center with all the shops and flea markets being closed as a result of the skirmishes. The clashes broke out in the morning and both the shopping center and the venue of the rally were deserted by noon. Police had to fire teargas to disperse the rowdy youths that had barricaded most roads in the suburb with boulders and rubbish bins. At least 29 vehicles were destroyed and one of them burnt to ashes on Sunday night after the MDC faction's supporters continued to unleash violence in Harare. Last Friday, four police officers were injured after violence-bent MDC supporters carrying out illegal demonstrations in Harare attacked them. Addressing foreign diplomats in Harare on Wednesday, Tsvangirai said they would not be "intimidated" and would proceed with the launch of their presidential campaign. "The position of the party is that presidential elections must be held as scheduled in 2008," said Tsvangirai. |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #3 ..frank speaks wisdom, espcially the part aboyut ALL rallies being banned - wonder if Bob didn't find out about a Zanu-PF r'rally' that was going to march on the palace. Mike |
| Posted by: Mike Kozlowski 2007-02-23 10:45 |
| #2 The tipping point has been passed, it's all downhill from here. |
| Posted by: Redneck Jim 2007-02-23 10:45 |
| #1 assuming the police haven't joined the protesters....Bob's getting worried. The army and police loyalty is in question, not a good thing for a dictator. I just hope Grace gets hers when Bob goes |
| Posted by: Frank G 2007-02-23 05:56 |