Opposition seeks court backing for protest

Zimbabwe opposition leaders are going to court to demand authorities allow and provide security for a planned march today calling for electoral reform after police chiefs suggested they presented a petition instead. Leaders from 18 political parties, including Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai and former vice president Joice Mujuru will lead today’s […]

Zimbabwe opposition leaders are going to court to demand authorities allow and provide security for a planned march today calling for electoral reform after police chiefs suggested they presented a petition instead.
Leaders from 18 political parties, including Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai and former vice president Joice Mujuru will lead today’s demonstration, which they expect to draw thousands of supporters.
Police used teargas and water cannon on Wednesday to break-up a march by MDC youth supporters, who were protesting against economic woes and what they say is brutality by security agents.
Police commander for the Harare Central District, Chief Superintendent Newbert Saunyama, told protest organizers in a letter on Thursday that they could present a petition at the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission without marching, adding that the expected number of participants, 150,000, was too big.