The forced retirement of Zimbabwe's chief justice, Mr Anthony Gubbay, marks yet another step on the way towards the complete dismantling of that country's democratic institutions. The leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Mr Morgan Tsvangirai, will go on trial next month on charges of inciting political violence during the election campaign last year. Supporters of the MDC in townships surrounding Harare have been systematically threatened and beaten by groups of soldiers.
Mr Gubbay's colleagues on the Supreme Court are under threat following judgments that upheld the constitution against presidential decrees and a landmark decision to support opposition challenges on the results in some constituencies in last year's elections.
Local journalists have been harassed and two foreign correspondents - whose articles have been critical of Mr Robert Mugabe's ruling Zanu-PF party - have been expelled from Zimbabwe. Starting later this week, restrictions will be placed on journalists entering the country.
Mr Mugabe has been in power for two decades. His rule initially saw his country prosper to such an extent that it was often cited as a model for other African states to emulate. There were disconcerting signs early on, particularly in the 1980s campaign against the Ndebele minority in the south of the country, but these were largely ignored in a western wave of optimism.
There are many signs now that the ruthlessness shown in that campaign was not a once-off aberration. The prospect of losing power is obviously not one which Mr Mugabe can contemplate and his recent actions appear to signal preparations for a despotic regime in which even the trappings of democracy have been eliminated.
It should be remembered that Mr Mugabe is not without strong backing in Zimbabwe, particularly in rural areas. The manner in which he has drummed up this support, however, has revealed the desperation behind his moves to hold on to power.
The land question arouses strong emotions and Mr Mugabe has been prepared to use it for his own purposes. Whites, who form one per cent of Zimbabwe's population, own 70 per cent of the arable land. Many of them have been guilty of treating their workers badly and, in some instances, with a cruelty that stopped marginally short of slavery.
Few observers disagree with the need for a reform in the ownership of land but Mr Mugabe's recent methods have been shown to be unconstitutional and destabilising. They have also been used to increase racial tensions in the hope of gaining popular support. Two countries have special interests in ensuring that democracy does not perish in Zimbabwe. Britain has responsibilities as the former colonial power and can play an important role in resolving the land crisis. South Africa is the most important power in the region. Its supplies of electricity have helped keep Zimbabwe from total collapse. President Mbeki has called for an urgent meeting with Mr Mugabe. It is to be hoped that his political and economic influence may persuade Zimbabwe's president that it is time for him to make a graceful exit.