The former president of Zimbabwe, Canaan Banana, has pleaded not guilty at the start of his trial in the capital, Harare, on eleven charges of homosexual assault, including sodomy.

Mr Banana has dismissed the charges as lies and a political vendetta.

The trial followed complaints by former assistants and bodyguards that Mr Banana compelled them into homosexual relationships.

The judge has allowed many complainants to withold their names for fear of embarrassment.

A number of senior figures including a vice-president are expected to give evidence.

A BBC Correspondent in Harare says the trial has attracted particular interest because of outspoken criticism of homosexuality by the current president, Robert Mugabe.