"He was picked up at Harare magistrates court, where he was handling some of his cases," said Irene Petras, spokesman for the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights..

Authorities did not say why he was arrested, Petras said.

Muchadehama represents leading rights activist Jestina Mukoko and 17 members of the Movement for Democratic Change, the party of Zimbabwe's new Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.

The MDC condemned his arrest, saying it was politically motivated and a vindictive act by "residual elements" opposed to the three-month-old unity government with Mugabe.

"The arrest has nothing to do with the rule of law, but represents the doomed persistence of those fighting the advent of change which is now upon us," said the party in a statement.

"It represents yet another attempt to intimidate the legal fraternity from defending human rights, which continue to be under threat despite promises of hope since the formation of the inclusive government in February," the MDC said.

On Wednesday the last three of 18 activists charged with terrorism over an alleged plot to topple Mugabe were released on bail.

The activists were abducted by state security agents in separate incidents in November and December last year and held in secret camps where they say they were beaten while in custody.

Tsvangirai on Wednesday denounced the ongoing violations of the rule of law in Zimbabwe, which he said scared away foreign donors.

The government is seeking 8.5 billion dollars over three years to jump start the economy, and so far has won about one billion dollars in credit lines but little financial support to bankroll basic services like schools and hospitals.

Major donors like former colonial power Britain and the United States have said they want all political prisoners to be freed as well as greater political reforms before giving money to the new government.

AFP

Week in Quotes The ANC has no interest in porn; the JSC is impartial; and the SABC wants public thanks...

The iafrica.com debate Should politicians be entitled to excessive luxury? Ebrahim Moolla takes on Rebekah Kendal...

Quirky & Bizarre Do you need a laugh? Then check out our offbeat stories from around the world...