Zimbabwe police battle anti-government protesters in Harare

Zimbabwe: Despite court order that police should not not interfer with anti-government protesters in Zimbabwe, the police have continued to battle protesters with batons, tear gas and water cannon in Harare on Friday.


At least 18 opposition parties and civic organisations took part in the demonstration, that marks the first time since 2007 that Zimbabwe's divided opposition has joined forces in a single action to challenge President Robert Mugabe's government but were quickly dispersed by police.

According to organizers, the protest tagged the "mega demonstration'', was to include veteran opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai and Mugabe's former deputy, Joice Mujuru.

The police sprayed water cannon against demonstrators.

The streets of Harare on Friday were bridled with police brandishing batons and tear gas canisters.
Some police were at the headquarters of the main opposition MDC-T party while other police mounted roadblocks on roads leading into the city.



92-year-old Mugabe, who came to power since independence from white minority rule in 1980, has refused to step down, insisting he wants to rule until he dies.