Zimbabwe

MDC's Bennett released on bail

Article published on the 2009-03-12 Latest update 2009-03-12 17:02 TU

Roy Bennett
(Photo: Reuters)

Roy Bennett, the MDC's nominee for Deputy Minister for Agriculture, was released from jail on Thursday. Dozens of supporters gathered outside the prison in the eastern Zimbabwe town of Mutare to welcome him after his release on bail.

Zimbabwe's Supreme Court granted his bail request despite opposition from the prosecution. Bennett was arrested on charges of possessing arms for terrorism and sabotage.

Speaking after his release Bennett criticised conditions within the prison saying there were "gross human rights abuses behind those walls".

His bail was set at 5,000 US dollars (4,000 euros) and he was required to surrender his travel documents and report to the Harare Central Police Station three times a week.

Bennett's lawyer, Trust Manda said that another condition for his client was that he continue to reside at his given address.

Manda said these conditions would not stand in the way of Bennett being sworn in as Deputy Minister of Agriculture. "If he needs to report to the police that frequently I think you are hindered in the performance of your duties," said Manda.

The lawyer said he did not know when Bennett would be sworn in but that "Nothing can stand in the way."

Bennett said he would travel to the town of Buhera to visit the grave of Morgan Tsvangirai's wife Susan, who died in a car accident last week. He said he would then visit his family in Harare.

A magistrate who was recently arrested on charges of abuse of power, Livingstone Chipadze, has also been released on bail.