Police in Zimbabwe have banned a planned mass march by the opposition, state radio reported today.
The ban on the march, which had been scheduled in the capital for tomorrow, comes despite eased security laws the government said permitted political rallies and meetings previously disallowed.
The changes had been negotiated in preparation for elections expected in March.
The opposition was expected to appeal the ban later today. Under the new legislation, only courts can ultimately ban political activities on security grounds.
The radio said police intelligence reports indicated the opposition Movement for Democratic Change was working "outside the spirit" of an initial agreement the march could go ahead.
State radio added police believed there were "sinister motives" behind the march.
It said statements by opposition faction leader Morgan Tsvangirai and other officials called for marchers on the "Freedom Walk" to exert pressure on the government and ruling party.
The opposition has called for polling to be delayed to June to allow for its demands to be met, but President Robert Mugabe has insisted national elections are to take place by the end of March.