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.