[JURIST] Zimbabwe police Monday denied torture allegations [JURIST report] by suspects arrested and charged with plotting to overthrow the government and assassinate Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe [BBC profile]. Senior Assistant Commissioner Ronald Muderedzwa said only 11 people have been arrested [JURIST report], but continuing investigations into the stockpiled weapons found last week may lead to more arrests. The arrested individuals are members of the opposition group Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) [party website], and observers say the detentions may be part of an effort to lessen the MDC's power.

Muderedzwa also called again on former opposition MP Roy Bennett [Wikipedia profile] to submit to questioning in the alleged coup attempt, saying it was unknown whether Bennett was still in the country. The arrested individuals are expected to appear in court Wednesday either for a bail hearing or for a delay while police conduct further investigations. From South Africa, the Mail & Guardian has more.