Mugabe opponents seek 'protest zone' at cricket

Paul Peachey
Monday 19 May 2003 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The MCC will consider today a demand from anti-Mugabe campaigners to permit a "protest zone" at this week's controversial test match between England and Zimbabwe or face a pitch invasion.

Protesters have warned of a series of "disruptions" if officials refuse to allow a visible campaign inside Lord's Cricket Ground on the first day of the match on Thursday.

Organisers of the protest have threatened to run on to the pitch with cricket whites covered in fake blood to highlight human rights abuses by the regime of Robert Mugabe.

The executive board of the MCC, the Marylebone Cricket Club, which owns Lord's, will discuss the threat at a scheduled meeting today.

Peter Tatchell, of the Stop The Tour campaign group, telephoned Roger Knight, the MCC chief executive, last week with his proposal. The club said spectators would be banned from bringing banners into the ground.

Hundreds of anti-Mugabe protesters are expected to attend the Lord's Test - the highlight of protests and the blue riband event of the two-Test series against England.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in