Zimbabwe police fired tear gas and beat up more than a 100 opposition supporters with batons this morning after they defied a protest ban in central Harare, witnesses said.
The group, singing and chanting, quickly re-emerged at a main square, where protesters were set to assemble and were again cleared by baton-wielding police.
The MDC had announced that its demonstrations would kick off at 9am from Africa Unity Square but police banned the demonstrations, a decision that was upheld by the High Court this morning.
MDC spokesman Daniel Molokele said despite the heavy-handed manner in which police had dealt with the demonstrators, this will not stop the people of Zimbabwe from expressing themselves in a peaceful manner.
“Preparations continue for the other already planned people’s marches in Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare and Masvingo,” Molokele said.
“The time has come for the people of Zimbabwe to take charge of their future and democratic destiny.”
Videos of the police beating up demonstrators including someone that looked like an old lady are likely to scare off protesters as police demonstrated that they are determined to deal with any illegal protesters.
It is not yet clear whether the demonstrations set for next week have been cleared or not.
Masvingo did not participate in the demonstrations in January in which there was massive looting especially in Bulawayo and Harare and at least 13 people were killed.
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