Zimbabwe High Court dismisses opposition MDC application to have police ban on demo nullified

Source: Xinhua| 2019-08-16 18:06:49|Editor: xuxin
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HARARE, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Zimbabwe High Court on Friday dismissed an urgent chamber application by the opposition MDC to nullify the police ban of its intended demonstration in the Harare Central Business District (CBD), state media has reported.

The MDC had made the urgent chamber application earlier during the day following the police ban which was effected Thursday night, on the eve of the planned demonstration against the deteriorating economy and alleged government malpractices.

Traffic was thin in the CBD as motorists and other members of the public remained cautious of planned demonstrations led by the opposition MDC.

Businesses opened while the police maintained a heavy presence in strategic areas from where they could easily deploy into the streets in case violence erupted.

The police on Thursday night issued a prohibition order against the demonstrations and warned members of the public that they would be arrested if they participated.

Reports from some residential areas also said many people opted not to report for work fearing possible violence.

Although calm prevailed in the morning, fears remained that the situation could deteriorate as the day progressed, with the MDC saying on Twitter that some of its members were geared up for the demonstrations.

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