The Treasurer-General of Zimbabwe's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Roy Bennett, goes on trial in the Harare high court today, on conspriracy charges. Bennett is charged with illegally possessing arms to commit acts of terrorism. The charges carry a possible death penalty.

Bennett's case sparked tensions in the unity government. Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Ministers drawn from his party suspended interaction with President Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF three weeks ago, after Bennett was taken into custody. He was later released after his R35 000 bail was reinstated.

The MDC says the case is politically motivated. Tsvangirai withdrew the MDC from the unity government last month, but returned last week after a three-week boycott. Bennett has denied the charges.

The MDC says the case is designed to stop him from taking office as Deputy Agriculture Minister. Mugabe says he does not oppose Bennett becoming a Minister but that he should be acquitted by the courts first.