Harare, June 07: Zimbabwe's main Opposition leader was brought to court by police today on treason charges. He wanted to demand the case be thrown out of court for lack of evidence, but the hearing was postponed till Monday. Morgan Tsvangirai, who denies the treason charges, was to remain in police custody until Monday, his lawyers said.

He was arrested and charged with treason yesterday, the end of five days of strikes and demonstrations called for by Tsvangirai and his party, the movement for democratic change, demanding the resignation of President Robert Mugabe.
A general strike kept most businesses closed across the country this week, further crippling Zimbabwe's already hobbled economy. But a massive show of force by security forces armed with tear gas, water cannons, clubs and guns prevented street marches.

A serious looking Tsvangirai was brought to the Harare magistrates court today under heavy guard. Riot police were stationed around the courthouse.

The charges of treason were based on rallies he addressed last month, in which the state says he urged supporters to take to the streets to oust Mugabe and the Zimbabwean government, Tsvangirai's lawyer innocent Chagonda said.
But according to Chagonda, the state has no evidence to back up the charges.

"We believe the facts disclosed (show) no offense of treason," Chagonda said.

When the court's recording equipment was found not to be working, the case was postponed until Monday.
Bureau Report