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Zimbabwe police hold union chief Zimbabwe police hold union chief
(20 minutes later)
Zimbabwe's main trade union leader has been arrested by police in the capital for holding a demonstration which the government had earlier banned.Zimbabwe's main trade union leader has been arrested by police in the capital for holding a demonstration which the government had earlier banned.
Wellington Chibebe told the BBC he was beaten with batons and rifle butts as the police arrested him and 15 others.Wellington Chibebe told the BBC he was beaten with batons and rifle butts as the police arrested him and 15 others.
The unions called a demonstration over the country's deep economic crisis.The unions called a demonstration over the country's deep economic crisis.
But security forces put up roadblocks sealing off the capital, Harare, and are out in force in other major towns.But security forces put up roadblocks sealing off the capital, Harare, and are out in force in other major towns.
The second city Bulawayo is reported to be quiet.The second city Bulawayo is reported to be quiet.
Zimbabwe's Congress of Trade Unions is demonstrating against an inflation rate of 1,000% and are demanding higher incomes, lower taxes and more medicines to fight HIV/Aids.Zimbabwe's Congress of Trade Unions is demonstrating against an inflation rate of 1,000% and are demanding higher incomes, lower taxes and more medicines to fight HIV/Aids.
Speaking by telephone from police custody, Mr Chibebe told the BBC that the police moved in as some 1,500 workers gathered to begin their protest.Speaking by telephone from police custody, Mr Chibebe told the BBC that the police moved in as some 1,500 workers gathered to begin their protest.
"I'm saying, we've been arrested when we started our demo. We've been badly beaten.""I'm saying, we've been arrested when we started our demo. We've been badly beaten."
WarningsWarnings
The ZCTU called for demonstrations in 34 towns and cities across Zimbabwe.The ZCTU called for demonstrations in 34 towns and cities across Zimbabwe.
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. But there were predictions 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.
ZIMBABWE CRISIS Life expectancy 30 yearsHigh dependency on food aid20% adult HIV prevalenceShortages of basic foodstuffsHigh unemploymentInflation 1,000% Have Your SayZIMBABWE CRISIS Life expectancy 30 yearsHigh dependency on food aid20% adult HIV prevalenceShortages of basic foodstuffsHigh unemploymentInflation 1,000% Have Your Say
The union action was backed by church groups and the main opposition party - the Movement for Democratic Change.The union action was backed by church groups and the main opposition party - the Movement for Democratic Change.
On Monday, dozens of protesting women were arrested in the capital by police protesting at a lack of municipal services. On Monday, dozens of women were arrested in the capital by police for protesting at a lack of municipal services.
Earlier, police spokesman Wayne Bzudzijena had warned that they 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. But ZCTU secretary general Mr Chibebe had said they would not be deterred by police threats.
"Are we not already being crushed by hunger and poverty?" he said."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.