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Zimbabwe braced for confrontation Zimbabwe police seal off capital
(30 minutes later)
Zimbabwe's security forces have put up roadblocks and deployed on the streets ahead of demonstrations planned for 34 towns and cities. Zimbabwe's security forces have put up roadblocks and deployed around the capital to prevent demonstrations, which the government says are illegal.
The main trade union is protesting at a deep economic crisis, with inflation at about 1,000%. But the government has said the action is illegal. The main trade union is reported to have called off their march in Harare. The second city Bulawayo is also reported to be quiet.
The Congress of Trade Unions demands higher incomes, lower taxes and access to medicine to fight HIV/Aids. The Congress of Trade Unions is protesting at a deep economic crisis, with inflation at about 1,000%.
On Monday, dozens of protesting women were arrested in the capital by police. They want higher incomes, lower taxes and more medicines to fight HIV/Aids.
A BBC reporter in the region says that turnout may well be low as the threat of a violent crackdown and mass arrests will put many off as will the prospect of forfeiting a day's meagre yet precious income. The ZCTU called for demonstrations in 34 towns and cities across Zimbabwe.
ZIMBABWE CRISIS Life expectancy 30 yearsHigh dependency on food aid20% adult HIV prevalence3,000 Aids deaths each weekHigh unemploymentInflation 1,000% href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?threadID=3792&edition=2&ttl=20060913113441" class="">Have Your Say But there were predications of a low turnout, with the threat of a violent crackdown and mass arrests putting many off - as well as the prospect of forfeiting a day's income.
Warnings
The union action is supported by church groups and the main opposition party - the Movement for Democratic Change.The union action is supported by church groups and the main opposition party - the Movement for Democratic Change.
ZCTU secretary general Wellington Chibebe said they would not be deterred by police threats. On Monday, dozens of protesting women were arrested in the capital by police protesting at a lack of municipal services.
"Are we not already being crushed by hunger and poverty?" he said. ZIMBABWE CRISIS Life expectancy 30 yearsHigh dependency on food aid20% adult HIV prevalence3,000 Aids deaths each weekHigh unemploymentInflation 1,000% href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?threadID=3792&edition=2&ttl=20060913113441" class="">Have Your Say
National police spokesman Wayne Bzudzijena said the police would be out in full force to maintain peace and order. Earlier, police spokesman Wayne Bzudzijena had warned that they would be out in full force to maintain peace and order.
Under Zimbabwean laws, public demonstrations require police clearance and unauthorised gatherings are frequently broken up.Under Zimbabwean laws, public demonstrations require police clearance and unauthorised gatherings are frequently broken up.
"Those who want to go about their normal, legitimate business in town can do so without fear," he told AFP news agency."Those who want to go about their normal, legitimate business in town can do so without fear," he told AFP news agency.
But ZCTU secretary general Wellington Chibebe had said they would not be deterred by police threats.
"Are we not already being crushed by hunger and poverty?" he said.
Zimbabwe's economy has been in sharp decline for more than six years.Zimbabwe's economy has been in sharp decline for more than six years.