Zimbabwe workers' march foiled

Zimbabwe police charged more than 100 trade unionists with public disorder yesterday after they tried to march against worsening poverty in a country crippled by shortages.

Lawyer Alec Muchadehama said members of the Congress of Trade Unions were arrested under security laws critics say are aimed at stifling opposition to the Mugabe regime.

"They have been charged for a gathering conducive to riot and public disorder," he said. "They strongly deny the charges."