Links ~ 10 June 2008

Tsvangirai: Zim run by junta (SAPA)
Harare – Zimbabwe now is effectively being run by a military junta in the approach to a June 27 run-off presidential election, opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai said on Tuesday. (See his statement here)

“This country is effectively now run by a military junta,” Tsvangirai told reporters.

“As a people we have been exposed to state-sponsored brutality.”

Zimbabwe poll rivals in hush unity talks (Business Day)
The MDC and Zanu-PF are engaged in talks mediated by President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa. It is hoped that a solution may be found to the political stalemate and this may include cancelling the presidential run-off election. Sources said that the two parties met on May 30 and 31 and will meet again this week. Patrick Chinamasa and Nicholas Goche represented Zanu-PF. Tendai Biti and Elton Mangoma represented the MDC. Welshman Ncube and Priscillah Misihairabwi represented the MDC-Mutambara. Local Government Minister Sydney Mufamadi of South Africa chaired the meeting.

Mbeki in last-ditch bid for Zim (SAPA)
A follow-up on the article in the Business Day – Zimbabwe poll rivals in hush unity talks.

Mukoni Ratshitanga spokesman for President Thabo Mbeki has confirmed that talks had been held, he refused to give any details. Nelson Chamisa spokesman for the MDC has however denied that any such talks have taken place and said there “is no unity government on the cards.”

Zimbabwe a nightmare says Tutu (SWRadio)
Desmond Tutu Nobel laureate and former archbishop of Cape Town has said that Zimbabwe “has now turned into the most horrendous nightmare”. Tutu called for a peacekeeping force to be sent to Zimbabwe. Tutu had a personal message for Mugabe: “How about stepping down? Oppression will not have the last word. Freedom will come to Zimbabwe.”

Tutu accepted a copy of a petition from Zimbabwe Vigil. The petition calls on President Thabo Mbeki to stop any support for Mugabe and to allow a change of government in Zimbabwe, so that Zimbabwean exiles may return home.

For photos of the event check:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/.

New wave of arrests of civic groups (DPA)
The Zimbabwe police are involved in a renewed crackdown on civic organisations and have made several arrests since Sunday. 14 Members of ‘public information groups’ organised by the Media Monitoring Project Zimbabwe have been arrested in Binga and were only given access to lawyers on Tuesday.

Police raided the offices of the Ecunemical Support Services and the Christian Alliance (CA). 15 Staff members of the CA were arrested, one of which is outspoken critic and commentator Pius Wakatama.

Lawyers say that the police are ignoring high court orders issued on Sunday for the immediate release of senior advocate and MDC elected MP Eric Matinenga. Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa said on Tuesday that he was considering amnesty of convicted criminals in the jails to make space for people convicted of political violence.

Zimbabwe police swoop on Christian groups in Harare (ENI)
Harare (ENI). Zimbabwe police and security forces have raided the Harare offices of several Christian groups, arresting the general secretary of the Student Christian Movement of Zimbabwe and other officers and staff.

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