22,000 hold virtual protest in Trafalgar Square over Zimbabwe

More than 22,000 people made their views known at the South African High Commission in Trafalgar Square yesterday afternoon with the handing in of a petition addressed to South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki by Zimbabwean exiles. The large 'virtual' crowd, all passers-by who have signed the petition outside Zimbabwe House in the Strand, are calling on President Mbeki to stop lending support to Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, who is widely acknowledged to have stolen the presidential election which returned him to power in 2002. Among the signatories was Archbishop Pius Ncube of Bulawayo, who lead prayers and spoke at the vigil during his recent visit to London. The handing in of the petition marks the second anniversary of the Zimbabwe Vigil held every Saturday outside Zimbabwe House. For more details see: www.zimvigil.co.uk