Police in Zimbabwe have banned a series of demonstrations planned for the weekend to demand changes to the constitution after the re-election of President Robert Mugabe last month.
The National Constitutional Assembly (NCA), an umbrella organisation including student and church groups, political parties and human rights groups, plans to hold protests throughout the country on Saturday to press the government to adopt a new constitution.
But the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation quoted police spokesman Mr Wayne Bvudzijena as saying the political situation was not conducive for mass demonstrations.
However, Mr Bvudzijena said no decision had yet been taken. He said the NCA's application to stage the protest would be treated in accordance with new security laws.
"Their notification will be considered in terms of the security situation in this country," he said.
"You might also be aware that the NCA have a political agenda and it is in that light that we have to consider various factors to make sure that there will be no breach of law."