HARARE – A Zimbabwe court has ordered 18 opposition activists facing terrorism charges back to prison after they were indicted for trial next month in a move that will spark fresh tensions in the new unity government.
The activists, including leading human rights activist Jestina Mukoko, say they were abducted by state security agents from their homes last year and tortured to force them to confess to planning to remove Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe from power.
The activists, who include several Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) members, were granted bail in March with the consent of state prosecutors.
“We were surprised by the magistrate’s decision as we were making prior arrangements with the state. She just said the matter was now outside her jurisdiction and remanded them in custody,” Alec Muchadehama, one of the defence lawyers, said.
Mr Muchadehama said the 18 had been indicted for a trial that starts next month. Lawyers were preparing to apply for bail at Zimbabwe’s high court later yesterday.
Mr Mugabe and prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai of the MDC formed a unity government in February after months of wrangling, but differences remain.
“Today’s ruling seriously threatens not only the life and health of the inclusive government but its longevity and durability,” the MDC said in a statement. – (Reuters)