Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe signed into law...

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe signed into law a draconian Bill allowing him to use extreme measures to silence opponents ahead of a crunch presidential ballot in March.
The clampdown came as the British Government said Zimbabwe should be suspended from the 54-nation Commonwealth and accused Mugabe, in the strongest terms yet, of preparing to rig presidential polls to extend his 22-year rule.
The Public Order and Security Bill (POSB) prescribes a death sentence or life imprisonment for anyone accused of involvement in or assisting in "insurgency, banditry, sabotage or terrorism". Section 16 of the law punishes publication of any information ridiculing the President with a one-year jail term and a hefty fine.
The law makes it virtually impossible for the opposition or any other legitimate group to hold rallies or demonstrations; the police can now ban any public gathering. As Zimbabwe heads for the crucial presidential election in March, this provision makes it impossible for the opposition to campaign.