Opposition youth leader arrested in Zimbabwe

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Published Feb 20, 2017

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Harare - Zimbabwean police on Monday arrested an opposition

youth leader on charges of inciting public violence against the

government of President Robert Mugabe, the youth leader's lawyer

said.

Happymore Chidziva from the main opposition Movement for Democratic

Change (MDC) had encouraged violent protests and resistance to

police, according to the charges.

He allegedly made the statements in August 2016, when MDC supporters

waged running battles with police.

Chidziva's lawyer Jeremiah Bhamu said he was expected to appear in

court within 48 hours.

Police spokeswoman Charity Charamba said she was yet to be briefed on

the arrest.

"Happymore Chidziva has got absolutely no criminal case to answer,"

MDC spokesman Obert Gutu said.

"The regime is in panic mode. They are desperately trying to spread

shock and awe amongst the generality of the suppressed and toiling

masses of Zimbabwe," he added.

The southern African country has been hit by protests led by the

opposition and social movements, resulting in hundreds of arrests

last year.

Chidziva was arrested just as the ruling party Zanu-PF prepares to

celebrate the 93rd birthday of Mugabe, in power since 1980, whom

critics accuse of ruining the economy and suppressing dissent.

Mugabe's birthday falls on Tuesday, but the birthday celebrations

will be held on Saturday in Matopo National Park.

dpa

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Zimbabwe