The Iron Hand: Mass Arrests in Zimbabwe

by Jordan Yerman | May 26, 2007 at 10:21 am

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Harare talks about mediation. The African Union talks about "fact-finding missions". Meanwhile, when those opposed to Robert Mugabe talk about a new direction for Zimbabwe, they get arrested.

Police in Zimbabwe rounded up more than 200 members of the political opposition Saturday, according to a spokesman for the southern African nation's main opposition movement.

Nelson Chamisa, spokesman for the Movement for Democratic Change, said the people were gathered in the capital, Harare, to "just discuss political issues." Then, police broke down doors and seized the people, now detained at the Central Police Station.

The action was reminiscent of the recent detention of opposition leader Morgan Tsvanigirai, who was beaten after his arrest.

These latest detentions came a day after police continued a ban in the capital on rallies and protests.

Chamisa -- who said the detained are not allowed visitors -- likened the atmosphere in the capital to a state of emergency and said the government's action shows the regime is panicking.