Mugabe threatens to arrest opposition leaders

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe threatened yesterday to arrest opposition leaders over election campaign violence for which his opponents blame ruling party supporters. Branding Zimbabwe's government a "criminal regime", British Prime Minister...

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe threatened yesterday to arrest opposition leaders over election campaign violence for which his opponents blame ruling party supporters.

Branding Zimbabwe's government a "criminal regime", British Prime Minister Gordon Brown joined US President George W. Bush in urging Mr Mugabe to allow international monitors to ensure a free and fair presidential run-off election on June 27.

Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has been repeatedly detained during his campaign, but has faced no charges. His Movement for Democratic Change party says 66 people have been killed in the election violence by ruling Zanu-PF supporters.

Mr Mugabe blames the opposition for the disturbances.

"There is now a pattern readable across the country and that has now to stop," he told a campaign rally in Kadoma, 150 kilometres south of capital Harare.

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