Zimbabwe Arrests Opposition Leader Biti Amid Constitutional Changes

0:00It's March 23rd. I'm Cory with the story, and this is Canada News today, your AI-powered local news. Zimbabwe has arrested former finance minister, Tendai Biti, a key opponent to constitutional changes that could extend President Emerson Managagwas' time in office. The 83-year-old leader's term ends in 2028, but amendments pushed by his party would let parliament elect the president. Instead of voters and stretch terms from 5 to 7 years, who heads a group fighting these plans, faces charges for holding a meeting without police notice. Police grab Biti and another activist Saturday in the eastern city of Mutare. This marks the biggest arrest yet in a wave of crackdowns on critics, including bans on gatherings and recent detentions. Managawa took power after a military ouster Robert Mugabe in 2017 and promised reforms, but is the ANU-PF party approved the changes in? February. Opposition figures argue any term

1:00extension needs a public referendum, but government supporters say parliament can approve it alone since the two-term limit stays. Public pushback has grown, with court challenges filed, though meetings now carry big risks amid reports of beatings and arson attacks on critics. Earlier this month, a law professor was hospitalized after an assault he blamed on police, following an anti- amendment event. Rights groups like Annesty International call it an escalating clampdown on dissent, especially after last year's disputed election. As Biti has to court Monday, tensions simmer with no word yet from authorities, leaving questions about Zimbabwe's democratic path ahead.