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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Zimbabwe braced for confrontation | Zimbabwe braced for confrontation |
| (40 minutes later) | |
| Zimbabwe's security forces have put up roadblocks and deployed on the streets ahead of demonstrations planned for 34 towns and cities. | Zimbabwe's security forces have put up roadblocks and deployed on the streets ahead of demonstrations planned for 34 towns and cities. |
| The main trade union is protesting at a deep economic crisis, with inflation at about 1,000%. But the government has said the action is illegal. | The main trade union is protesting at a deep economic crisis, with inflation at about 1,000%. But the government has said the action is illegal. |
| The Congress of Trade Unions demands higher incomes, lower taxes and access to medicine to fight HIV/Aids. | The Congress of Trade Unions demands higher incomes, lower taxes and access to medicine to fight HIV/Aids. |
| On Monday, dozens of protesting women were arrested in the capital by police. | On Monday, dozens of protesting women were arrested in the capital by police. |
| A BBC reporter in the region says that turnout may well be low as the threat of a violent crackdown and mass arrests will put many off as will the prospect of forfeiting a day's meagre yet precious income. | A BBC reporter in the region says that turnout may well be low as the threat of a violent crackdown and mass arrests will put many off as will the prospect of forfeiting a day's meagre yet precious income. |
| The union action is supported by church groups and the main opposition party - the Movement for Democratic Change. | The union action is supported by church groups and the main opposition party - the Movement for Democratic Change. |
| ZIMBABWE CRISIS Life expectancy 30 yearsHigh dependency on food aid20% adult HIV prevalence3,000 Aids deaths each weekHigh unemploymentInflation 1,000% | |
| ZCTU secretary general Wellington Chibebe said they would not be deterred by police threats. | ZCTU secretary general Wellington Chibebe said they would not be deterred by police threats. |
| "Are we not already being crushed by hunger and poverty?" he said. | "Are we not already being crushed by hunger and poverty?" he said. |
| National police spokesman Wayne Bzudzijena said the police would be out in full force to maintain peace and order. | |
| Under Zimbabwean laws, public demonstrations require police clearance and unauthorised gatherings are frequently broken up. | |
| "Those who want to go about their normal, legitimate business in town can do so without fear," he told AFP news agency. | "Those who want to go about their normal, legitimate business in town can do so without fear," he told AFP news agency. |
| Zimbabwe's economy has been in sharp decline for more than six years. |