The former president of Zimbabwe, Canaan Banana, goes on trial in Harare today on eleven charges of sodomy, attempted sodomy and indecent assault.

The cases against him were compiled by state prosecutors after complaints by one of his former presidential guards.

Mr Banana -- who denies the charges -- had appealed to the Supreme Court against his trial, arguing that pre-trial publicity had prejediced his right to a fair hearing.

But the Zimbabwe Chief Justice, Anthony Gubbay, dismissed the appeal, saying he had faith in the country's judges and the criminal law system.

Homosexuality and sodomy are illegal in Zimbabwe.