Zimbabwe activists 'in court' over deadly violence

In Zimbabwe, more than two dozen activists thought to be from the opposition MDC Alliance have appeared in court on charges relating to the violence witnessed in post-election protests, AFP news agency reports.

Six people died in protests last Wednesday when demonstrators and security forces clashed. Soldiers opened fire on the protesters.

AFP says that the 27 - that's 19 men and eight women - have been linked to the deaths by the prosecution. State prosecutor Michael Reza argued that they should be denied bail.

"There's more than a likelihood that they will reoffend, they will intimidate witnesses, they will interfere with evidence and they will not attend trial," Mr Reza is quoted as saying.

"These are people with unfinished work business outside. The deaths of six people... are directly linked to the accused."