Zimbabwe police crush key Mugabe protests

AUTHORITIES arrested Zimbabwe’s opposition leader, beat protesters and fired tear gas and warning shots yesterday to squash demonstrations aimed at presenting the most significant challenge yet to President Robert Mugabe.

Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the Movement for Democratic Change, was arrested at his home yesterday and charged with contempt of court for planning an illegal demonstration, said Innocent Chagonda, his lawyer. Mr Tsvangirai was later released.

A former trade union leader, Mr Tsvangirai has intensified his calls for people to rise up against Mr Mugabe and his decades-long rule, blamed for sinking the country into economic and political disarray. He dedicated this week to strikes and protests aimed at pushing Mr Mugabe to step down and allow for new presidential elections.