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Zimbabwe protest over missing anti-Mugabe activist

August 11, 2016
kelrob
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Protesters in Zimbabwe

Flower-carrying demonstrators in Zimbabwe gathered in central Harare today to demand that the whereabouts of missing prominent pro-democracy human rights activist Itayi Dzamara.

He has not been seen since he was abducted by five men in Harare in March 2015.

Officials have denied any state agents were involved in his abduction.

The marchers blew whistles and walked towards the anti-riot police, but unlike scenes seen last week when officers attacked demonstrators calling for President Robert Mugabe to leave office, the police remained calm and returned to their vans.

Zimbabwe anti-riot police
A protester holding a wooden cross in front of police in Harare, Zimbabwe - Wednesday 3 August 2016

Pictures of police in Zimbabwe clashing with demonstrators protesting against President Robert Mugabe’s handling of the economy.

Protesters in Harare, Zimbabwe, one holding a "Mugabe must go" sign and others holding wooden crosses - Wednesday 3 August 2016
Image captionZimbabwe has run out of money and hundreds of protesters took to the streets of the capital, Harare, in anger at government measures to deal with the crisis.
Protesters smoking Zimbabwe's old bond notes in Harare - - Wednesday 3 August 2016
Image captionThey handed in a petition to the finance ministry, opposing the impending introduction of “bond notes” as a cash substitute.
A protester wearing a hat with old Zimbabwe dollar notes attached to it in Harare - Wednesday 3 August 2016
Image captionThe country abandoned its own currency in 2009 in order to stem runaway inflation. The highest denomination then was a $100 trillion Zimbabwean dollar note.
Protesters holding old Zimbabwe dollar notes in Harare, Zimbabwe - Wednesday 3 August 2016
Image captionThe new bond notes are to be pegged to the US dollar and would have no value outside Zimbabwe, but people fear they will devalue as before.
Protesters in Harare, Zimbabwe, one holding a "Mugabe must go" sign - Wednesday 3 August 2016
Image captionCorrespondents say the rare directness of some banners is an indication of how the voices of protest against the 92-year-old president are growing.
A protesters in Harare, Zimbabwe, dressed in a graduation gown and cap holding a sign reading "Just Quit And Go I'll Fogive U" - Wednesday 3 August 2016
Image captionA group called the “unemployed graduates” joined the march. With unemployment at more than 90%, many rely on cross-border trading to make a living.
Protesters shouting at police in Harare, Zimbabwe - Wednesday 3 August 2016
Image captionSocial media has been driving protests, including a national shutdown in early July. The national flag is being used as a symbol of the calls for change.
Police chasing protesters in Harare, Zimbabwe - Wednesday 3 August 2016
Image captionThe trouble started when the demonstrators started marching towards parliament and police blocked their path.
A policeman with a baton chasing a protester in Harare, Zimbabwe - Wednesday 3 August 2016
Image captionTear gas was fired and water cannons moved in to chase the protesters away, reports the BBC’s Brian Hungwe, who witnessed the clashes.
Protesters hurling stones at police in Harare, Zimbabwe - Wednesday 3 August 2016
Image captionThe demonstrators fought back by throwing stones and the crosses they carried. Members of church congregations were amongst those who marched.
Riot police seen through a broken car window in Harare, Zimbabwe - Wednesday 3 August 2016
Image captionJournalists were also beaten. The chaos disrupted traffic and car windows were broken.

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