Zimbabwe judge rules torture can be raised in weapons case that has shaken coalition govt

Zimbabwe judge: Torture can be raised in case

HARARE, Zimbabwe — A judge says allegations the main witness was tortured can be raised in a trial that has shaken Zimbabwe’s coalition government.

The judge on Wednesday rejected a prosecution request that the defense be barred from arguing that a weapons dealer who is the main witness against Roy Bennett was tortured into confessing and implicating others. The weapons case against Bennett, a top aide to Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, stems from allegations of a plot to topple President Robert Mugabe.

Tsvangirai says the charges are baseless and part of efforts by Mugabe loyalists to undermine the coalition formed in February between longtime rivals.

Judge Chinembri Bhunu also ruled against a defense request that the weapons dealer be barred from testifying.