Zimbabwean court frees 180 women

Zimbabweans are growing frustrated at the state of the economy

A judge in Zimbabwe has dropped charges against 180 women charged for taking part in anti-government protests.

The magistrate said there was not enough evidence against activists from the Women Of Zimbabwe Arise (Woza) lobby group to proceed with the trial.

A BBC correspondent at the court in the second city, Bulawayo, described chaotic scenes inside and outside the courtroom during the hearing.

The women had held a public protest over currency reforms in August.

They had called for a change of government, rather than a change of banknotes.

They were charged under Zimbabwe's tough Public Order and Security Act and faced two years in prison if convicted.

ZIMBABWE CRISIS Life expectancy 30 years 1.4m need food aid 20% adult HIV prevalence 3,000 Aids deaths each week 500,000 left homeless last year 200,000 lost livelihoods Inflation over 1,200% Shortages of basic goods

When the judge announced his ruling, some of the women started to celebrate but were warned they could be returned to the cells if they sang in court.

Outside, our correspondent says they were careful not to risk being rearrested.

Our correspondent says it is the third time that the state has tried and failed to convict Woza activists.

Woza often stage protests, notably on Valentine's Day, when activists have been arrested for handing out roses to policemen.

"We are making impact. We are getting Zimbabweans to hold their government to account," Woza's Jenni Williams told the BBC's Focus on Africa.

Zimbabwe is suffering an economic meltdown, with the world's highest rate of inflation - more than 1,200% a year.

Many blame the problems on President Robert Mugabe's policies but he says the west is trying to bring him down because of his seizure of white-owned land.