Kirk criticism for Mugabe

THE Kirk has spoken out against Robert Mugabe's attempt to cling to power in Zimbabwe, claiming that he has caused his people "extreme suffering" over the past year.

In its latest report on the region, the Church of Scotland's influential World Mission Council has saluted the courage of Zimbabwe's people during what it described as "extremely trying days".

The committee said that with opponents of the regime facing "death, rape, injury and torture" it had not been a year for the Kirk "to remain silent or inactive".

This is the second time in as many years that the Kirk has moved to condemn the Mugabe regime for its brutality.

Previously, it has shied away from commenting on the situation in Zimbabwe, fearing that criticism would result in retaliatory attacks on partner churches in the country.