Police fail to produce deputy opposition leader

Police have failed to produce the deputy opposition leader at court despite a judge’s order, a Zimbabwe opposition lawyer said today.

Lawyer Lewis Uriri said police told the judge they were not sure the order, issued a day earlier, was genuine.

Uriri said Justice Ben Hlatshwayo called a 20-minute recess today to consult with police.

Tendai Biti, secretary general of the Movement for Democratic Change, was arrested when he returned to Zimbabwe from neighbouring South Africa on Thursday.

Police have refused to say where he was being held or when they might produce him in court. Police said he faced a treason charge, which can carry the death penalty.

MDC president Morgan Tsvangirai faces long-time leader Robert Mugabe in a presidential runoff on June 27.