Zimbabwean police arrested a top opposition official today, saying he would be charged with treason, and briefly detained opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai for the third time this month.
Secretary-General Tendai Biti flew home from South Africa ahead of a June 27th presidential election run-off between Mr Tsvangirai and President Robert Mugabe, who is battling to keep his 28-year hold on power in the ruined state.
Police had sought Mr Biti, the third highest ranking official in the Movement for Democratic Change, for announcing results of the March 29th first round vote prematurely.
"We are charging him with treason and communicating statements prejudicial to the state. For the treason charge he faces the death penalty or life in prison," police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena said. "He is in police custody and we are still investigating the matter."
The opposition and human rights groups accuse Mugabe's supporters, including the security forces, of arresting and attacking its opponents in a bid to intimidate the opposition ahead of the run-off.
Mr Tsvangirai defeated Mr Mugabe in a March 29th election but failed to win the absolute majority needed to avoid a second ballot, according to official results. Mugabe's support has been eroded by the economic collapse of the once prosperous country.
Mr Tsvangirai was detained for about two hours as he was campaigning in Kwekwe, 200 km (125 miles) west of Harare. He resumed his campaign after he was released.
"This is just a deliberate attempt to delay us, it is just harassment," Mr Tsvangirai's spokesman George Sibotshiwe said.