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Zimbabwe Attacks Rising as Mbeke Arrives

Diplomats wonder whether elections can be held in these conditions

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted May 9, 2008 2:25 PM CDT
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(Newser) – South African President Thabo Mbeki arrived in Zimbabwe today for talks with Robert Mugabe, with evidence of brutal government attacks on the rise, the New York Times reports. Doctors said they’d seen a “dramatic escalation” in assaults by government agents. With a runoff looming, more than 900 opposition supporters have been beaten, and even that number “grossly underestimates” the violence, one doctor said.

Mbeki, normally an ally of Mugabe’s, sent a team of generals to Zimbabwe to investigate the violence. “You cannot have the next round taking place in this atmosphere,” said one South African official. “We have seen it, there are people in hospital who said they have been tortured.” Mugabe’s government also has been arresting dissenters, including one independent newspaper’s editor.

Supporters of the Movement For Democratic Change opposition party show their injuries, which they say were sustained during attacks by members of Zanu-PF militia, in Harare.
Supporters of the Movement For Democratic Change opposition party show their injuries, which they say were sustained during attacks by members of Zanu-PF militia, in Harare.   (AP Photo)
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, right, and his South African counterpart, Thabo Mbeki, left, in Harare, Friday, May 9, 2008.
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, right, and his South African counterpart, Thabo Mbeki, left, in Harare, Friday, May 9, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, center, right, and his South African counterpart, Thabo Mbeki, center, left, in Harare, Friday, May 9, 2008.
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, center, right, and his South African counterpart, Thabo Mbeki, center, left, in Harare, Friday, May 9, 2008.   (AP Photo)
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Zimbabwe violence escalates
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Zimbabwe • Robert Mugabe • Thabo Mbeki • Zimbabwe elections

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