Zimbabwe union officials arrested

The president and general-secretary of Zimbabwe’s largest trade union were arrested along with 51 supporters today as they marched through the capital Harare in protest at rising prices and high taxes.

Scores of riot police in combat fatigues patrolled the city wielding batons, tear gas canisters and riot guns and were seen loading those arrested onto trucks.

The arrested members of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions violated the sweeping Public Order and Security Act, said police Assistant Commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena.

Under the act, all public gatherings must be approved in advance by authorities and Bvudzijena said the trade union – which represents 100,000 workers – did not seek permission for the march.

The charges carry a maximum sentence of five years in jail under the new security laws that critics say are the latest example of President Robert Mugabe’s efforts to hold onto power by creating a police state.