Zimbabwe’s opposition leader threatened to boycott elections next year as church leaders launched an outspoken appeal for democracy in the mounting challenge to President Robert Mugabe.

Government opponents in Zimbabwe today said the family of an opposition militant who was shot dead by police was forced to bury him at his rural home to avoid a ceremony in the capital that could have sparked demonstrations.

Zimbabwean opposition activists bruised, battered and bloodied – reportedly by police while in custody – have been temporarily released, their lawyer said.