Zimbabwe opposition: Hangings a show of brute force

Zimbabwe’s opposition has described the hanging of four convicted murderers as a show of “brute force” at a time when its leader faces treason charges that could lead to a death sentence.

“Given the timing of these executions, it is reasonable to assume this was a deliberate show of brute force” aimed at intimidating opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, lawyer David Coltart said.

He said the hangings coincided with remarks on Friday by President Robert Mugabe, who vowed to crush anti-government strikes and protests (called by Tsvangirai) which the state claims were treasonable.

Coltart is also shadow justice minister in Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change party.

Mugabe told a ruling party rally that his government would “never again” allow Tsvangirai’s party to organise “mass action” advocating the president’s removal.

Mugabe responded to a week of strikes and protests that shut down most of the economy by deploying troops, police and militia, backed by armoured vehicles and helicopters.

Tsvangirai was arrested at the end of the week-long protests.

Tsvangirai and two other MDC officials are already on trial for treason on allegations that they plotted to assassinate Mugabe two years ago. They deny those charges and say they were framed by the government.

The new treason charges against Tsvangirai arise from his calls for anti-government protests that state prosecutors allege were an attempt to overthrow Mugabe and coerce his government into relinquishing power.

Defence lawyers are seeking bail for Tsvangirai on the new treason charges. A ruling is expected this week.

The MDC blame Mugabe for dragging Zimbabwe’s economy into its worst crisis since independence, with 269% inflation, 70% unemployment and the near collapse of commercial agriculture since the often violent seizure of thousands of white-owned farms.

Zimbabwe has executed 73 prisoners since independence in 1980.