Police in Zimbabwe arrest opposition leader and 80 youths, says lawyer

Zimbabwe police arrested opposition leader Jameson Timba and 80 youths for holding an unauthorized political gathering, their lawyer reported on Monday. Timba, who became the interim leader of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) after Nelson Chamisa resigned in January, was detained on Sunday along with the youths.

According to their lawyer, Agency Gumbo, they remain in custody and are likely to face charges under public order laws. Gumbo indicated that efforts are underway to secure their release. CCC party spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi described the arrests as "regrettable" and indicative of "democratic regression." The police were not immediately available for comment.

Under Zimbabwean law, political parties must seek police clearance before organizing public gatherings. These regulations have historically been used to suppress opposition activities and ban political rallies.