| Submit your comments on this article |
| Africa Subsaharan |
| Zimbabwe Opposition Activists Charged With Series of Bombings |
| 2007-03-30 |
| Nine Zimbabwean opposition activists were charged in connection with a series of fire bombings and with weapons violations Thursday, as the main opposition party denied waging an armed terror campaign and said it was being demonized by the government. Also Thursday, the South African president was appointed to mediate in a crisis that the southern African nation's neighbors worry will spill across borders. Lawyer Alec Mmuchadehama told The Associated Press that seven Movement for Democratic Change officials or members were charged with attempted murder in connection with nine petrol bombings this month; one was charged with illegal possession of a firearm and one with possession of explosives without a license. Mmuchadehama said none of those charged were asked to plead and a hearing was set for Friday to allow them time to consult with lawyers who previously denied access. It was not clear what punishment they faced if convicted. President Robert Mugabe's government alleges the opposition Movement for Democratic Change is stockpiling weapons and is responsible for the petrol bomb attacks, the latest near the eastern town of Mutare on Wednesday. They said petrol bombs were hurled at two gasoline tankers, but the tankers failed to ignite. |
| Posted by:Fred |