The Supreme Court has twice ruled that the taking of farms by squatters supported by the government is unconstitutional, antagonizing President Robert Mugabe and prompting his defense minister to vow to order the army to crush anti-government protesters in Harare. Mugabe has threatened to expel commercial farmers who continue to fight for their land in the courts. Tensions are high and likely to remain so. Demonstrations or other gatherings can become violent, and should be avoided.
