Zimbabweans in Southend have spoken of their horror as the leader of the country's opposition party was arrested.
Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), has been arrested for planning an illegal demonstration. He also faces charges for treason as authorities claim he was part of a plot to assassinate Robert Mugabe.
Mr Tsvangirai's sister-in-law is hiding in Southend after she fled the country fearing her life may be in danger.
Washington Ali, who lives in Southend, who has known Mr Tsvangirai for more than five years, said the charges were "rubbish".
He said: "This is very bad for democracy. I have known Morgan since he worked with the trade unions and he is a real people person - he would never do anything like this."
Published Monday, June 2, 2003
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