Armed riot police have arrested Zimbabwean opposition leader Jameson Timba and 80 youths at his Avondale residence for gathering in commemoration of International Youth Day on Sunday.
Police stormed his home, tear-gassed young people peacefully sitting in his garden while holding meetings which authorities said was unauthorised.
Timba became interim leader of Citizens Coalition for Change after former leader Nelson Chamisa left the party in January, alleging it had been infiltrated by the ruling ZANU-PF party.
“They are still in custody and we are working on their release. They are likely to be charged with maintenance of public order laws,” lawyer Agency Gumbo informed the press.
Law lecturer Fadzayi Mahere said:
“This tragic incident has sad echoes of the Soweto Uprising and must be condemned by all progressive citizens. It is not a crime to demand a better society.”
Political parties are required to apply for clearance with police before holding a public gathering.
Parts of Zimbabwean law have been used in the past to clamp down on the opposition and ban political gatherings.