Zimbabwe court clears Tsvangirai of treason

ZIMBABWEAN opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai was cleared of treason yesterday, a surprise end to a year-long trial that he said was orchestrated by the government of President Robert Mugabe.

Hundreds of Mr Tsvangirai’s supporters danced outside the Harare court when the verdict was announced. Inside, Mr Tsvangirai’s wife, Susan, hugged and kissed him and veteran defence lawyer George Bizos stood with tears of joy streaming down his face.

“The judge arrived at his conclusion on facts that spoke for themselves,” Mr Tsvangirai said. “To have arrived at any other conclusion would have been absurd.”