Zimbabwe's main opposition party has lost a legal bid for its secretary general to be freed from custody.

The Movement for Democratic Change argued that Tendai Biti - who is expected to face a treason charge - was not being legally detained.

But a high court judge said he was not satisfied that Mr Biti's detention on return from South Africa was unlawful.

The MDC's Morgan Tsvangirai faces incumbent Robert Mugabe in a presidential run-off vote on June 27.

Mr Mugabe promises to "fight" to retain power ...
Locals killed in S Africa attacks ...
Zimbabwe's opposition leader Tsvangirai freed after detention ...
Amnesty International demands Tsvangirai's release ...
Senegal FM: Mugabe will accept run-off result ...
Fight on malaria stepped-up ... Tsvangirai won more votes than Mr Mugabe in the first round on 29 March but not the 50% needed for outright victory.

International concern

Prosecutors said they were ready to bring Mr Biti, who was arrested in Harare last week, to court on Wednesday. If convicted of treason he faces the death penalty or life in prison.

Tuesday's hearing came as a senior UN official met Mr Mugabe in Zimbabwe to discuss the country's political and humanitarian situation.

Haile Menkerios, UN assistant secretary general for political affairs responsible for Africa, is expected to meet other politicians during the rest of a five-day visit.

"He met the president to discuss the technical requirements for holding the election, to see what the UN can do to help build capacity for a free and fair election," a UN official told Reuters news agency.

There has been growing international concern that political violence will make a free and fair vote impossible.

The opposition, rights groups and some Western governments accuse Mugabe supporters of directing a campaign of violence and intimidation against the MDC.

But Zimbabwean Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa has accused the opposition of leading a violent campaign against government supporters known as war veterans.

(BBC)

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