7 Nov 2008

Orgy of brutality killing power-sharing talks, says MDC

9:22 am on 7 November 2008

New arrests and political violence against opposition supporters in Zimbabwe has "killed dialogue" on forming a unity government with President Robert Mugabe, an opposition spokesperson said.

Over the past two weeks, Mr Mugabe's ruling ZANU-PF party has led a fresh campaign of attacks against supporters of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, the party's spokesperson Nelson Chamisa said.

"ZANU-PF has unleashed a new orgy of brutality and assaults across the whole country," he said.

"ZANU-PF has killed the dialogue despite the hopes, patience and expectations of the people of Zimbabwe," he added.

At least 25 MDC supporters were attacked in a Harare township on 27 October by a ruling party militia, Mr Chamisa said.

Three days later security agents raided the home of a local MDC leader in the town of Banket, arresting nine people, including a two-year-old girl, he added.

The MDC also said that more than 100 activists remained in prison after they were arrested for holding a march during regional talks in Harare on 28 October.