JUSTICE IN ZIMBABWE 47 ____________________________________________________________________ only refused to assist MDC supporters under attack from ZANU (PF) supporters, but also in some instances have actually participated in these attacks. Selective enforcement of the law has become frequent in political cases, with the police arresting persons connected with the MDC for offences such inciting or committing public violence, but ignoring similar offences committed by ZANU (PF) supporters. 78 The police regularly carry out raids on MDC party offices and arrest MDC members on apparently flimsy charges. There are undoubtedly many members of the police force who would like to be able to perform their duties on an apolitical, professional basis. There are, however, tremendous pressures upon them to behave in a politically biased fashion. Like magistrates and prosecutors, they may be subject to severe reprisals from war veterans and members of the youth militia if they take any action perceived to be antithetical to the interests of the ruling party. 79 The police have used their extensive powers under the Public Order and Security Act as a weapon against the MDC and others who are critical of the ruling party. In the lead-up to the Presidential elections the MDC alleged that the police frequently arrested their polling agents and party officials on spurious charges in order to disrupt their election campaign. They made similar accusations in the lead-up to local council elections held at the end of September 2002.80 The MDC also complain that many of their members who have been arrested have been subjected to brutal beatings whilst in police custody. There appears to be an ever-increasing incidence of serious ill treatment of suspects by the police, particularly those perceived to be political dissidents.81 The police hardly ever interfere with rallies and protest marches by ZANU (PF) and war veterans. Indeed the police often provide police escorts for these and in some instances they have failed to intervene when the participants have engaged in acts of violence.82 It would seem that the organisers of such rallies and protests frequently do not even notify the police in advance of their intention to mount such rallies and protests, as required by the Public Order and Security Act. On the other hand, the police have very frequently barred political rallies by the MDC and demonstrations by groups perceived to be critical of government such as the National Constitutional