Amnesty International has expressed shock that at least 45 Zimbabwean activists have been charged with treason and could face the death penalty.

In his Christmas Sermon, the Archbishop of Canterbury stresses mutual dependence, loyalty and solidarity in the face of economic constraint and abuse of minorities.

Church and rights groups in Zimbabwe have warned against new elections saying the situation in the country is "highly volatile, uncertain and tense".

Amnesty has called on the Zimbabwean authorities to release 83 activists arrested during a peaceful demonstration in the capital Harare this week.