Violence mars Zimbabwe protests

By John Cassim

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AA) – At least 100 protesters were arrested and 125 injured on Saturday when Zimbabwean police broke up countrywide protests meant to force the authorities to reform electoral laws.

Statistics of those arrested were still being compiled but by 4 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) a hospital in Harare confirmed admitting 15 people with serious injuries.

When contacted by Anadolu Agency, Zimbabwean police refused to comment on the alleged arrests.

The National Electoral Reform Agenda (NERA), a coalition of 18 opposition parties, alleged assailants using South African registered vehicles also abducted 20 activists in Harare.

Saturday’s protests came after failed attempts by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to facilitate dialogue during the week.

In the past two months Zimbabwe has been marred by protests over various grievances which include a call for 92-year-old ruler Robert Mugabe to resign due to misrule.