Zimbabwe activists taken to hospitals

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Saturday, March 31, 2007 · Last updated 4:27 p.m. PT
Zimbabwe activists taken to hospitals

By ANGUS SHAW
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

HARARE, Zimbabwe -- Nine opposition activists who were to be arraigned Saturday
on charges of attempted murder and illegal weapons possession all required medical
attention for injuries sustained since their arrests, doctors said.

One of the activists collapsed in the courthouse and the judge agreed to lawyers'
appeals to adjourn the hearing and allow them to get medical treatment, opposition
officials told reporters at the Harare magistrates' court.

Doctors and staff at private medical facilities where the detainees were taken
under police guard said the nine - who were detained on Tuesday and Wednesday
- appeared to have been assaulted while in custody. The medical staff asked not
to be identified, saying they feared reprisals.

The government blames the activists for a wave of unrest and firebombings,
allegations they have repeatedly denied. Lawyers say the activists could face
additional terrorism-related charges that carry sentences of life imprisonment
or the death penalty.

-snip-

Read more: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1107AP_Zimbabwe.html