Australia bans 'Mugabe students'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/africa/6950954.stm

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Australia says it will deport eight Zimbabwean university students whose parents are senior members of the government of President Robert Mugabe.

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said the move was an extension of sanctions against Zimbabwe.

It was aimed at preventing those behind human rights abuses from giving their children the education their policies denied ordinary Zimbabweans, he said.

The Australian government is a vocal critic of Mr Mugabe.

Earlier this year, it banned its cricketers from going on a planned tour to Zimbabwe.

Mr Downer said the visa measure was necessary because of the continuing disregard for democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe's government has accused Australia of funding violence by aiding civic groups in the country.