Zimbabwe moves ahead with controversial security law

HARARE, June 13 (Reuters) The lower house of Zimbabwe's parliament passed a bill today allowing the government to monitor phones, mail and the Internet to protect national security.

While conceding the country needed to protect itself against terrorism, opposition members said they feared the bill would pave the way for President Robert Mugabe's government to curtail freedom of speech and breach privacy.

The Interception of Communications bill sailed through the lower house without amendments and will now be sent to the upper house, where it is expected to face little opposition. Mugabe's ruling party has a majority in both houses.

Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) legislator David Coltart called the proposed law a ''fascist piece of legislation'' that Mugabe's government could use in an ongoing crackdown on political dissent.

''I recognise the need for legislation of this nature, especially after the emergence of al Qaeda and international terrorism,'' Coltart said. ''The objection is what checks are there to stop the abuse of this law.'' Dozens of MDC members were arrested and beaten in March during an aborted anti-government protest, sparking international condemnation of Mugabe's government and calls for African nations to pressure him to adopt democratic reforms.

Transport and Communications Minister Chris Mushohwe said the bill was necessary to combat criminal activities that could threaten national security. Similar legislation existed in the United States, Britain, Canada and South Africa, he said.

REUTERS CS BST2250