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Zimbabwe arrests opposition leaders

HARARE, Zimbabwe, March 11 (UPI) -- Police in Zimbabwe have arrested the leader of the opposition Movement of Democratic Change and five of his colleagues.

Morgan Tsvangirai and other leaders of the Movement for Democratic Change were detained as they tried to hold a prayer meeting at a rally in Harare, the BBC reported Sunday.

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The government said the rally violated a ban on political gatherings, but a Movement of Democratic Change spokesman told the BBC the protesters weren't breaking any rules.

"It was not a political rally, therefore it was not subject to the provisions of the public order and security act, and there was no permission required to be obtained from the police," Eliphas Mukonoweshuro said.

Activists said police used tear gas and water cannon to break up the rally, called the Save Zimbabwe Campaign and attended by a coalition of church, human rights and political groups.

Zimbabwe is in the midst of an economic crisis and civil discontent growing.

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