Jailed Zanzibar opposition leaders refused bail

A magistrate in Zanzibar has refused to grant bail to fourteen opposition leaders who have been charged with treason for allegedly planning to overthrow the government.

The politicians, from the Civic United Front, appeared in court yesterday.

Women members of the party staged a protest demonstration calling for their release.

But the regional magistrate said he had no legal authority to grant bail, referred the case to the High Court and remanded the CUF leaders in custody until January the fifth.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service