Zambia publishes opposition headline Zimbabwe

lusaka - Zimbabwean former Minister of Finance Tendai Biti has not received political asylum in Zambia. 'Biti was transferred to Zimbabwean police officers an hour ago. He is currently back in Zimbabwean territory, 'said a lawyer from the prominent opposition leader against Reuters news agency.

The politician had previously reported to the border with neighboring Zambia after having hid for days. He would then have been detained for a short time. The Zimbabwean police sought Biti and other opposition members because of the riots that followed the elections. Then supporters of the opposition took to the streets, after which the army intervened. Six people died.

The opposition had suffered a hefty defeat at the first elections since the departure of Robert Mugabe, who had been in power for decades. Government party Zanu-PF acquired a two-thirds majority in parliament and won the presidential election. The opposition thinks that is cheated.