Harare ZANU PF youths were on Wednesday commandeered to march in the streets of Harare to protest against European Union and US targeted sanctions on President Robert Mugabe and his cronies.

Hundreds of youths believed to have been bused from rural areas marched from Fourth Street ZANU PF provincial headquarters to the United States Embassy complex where they waved placards and toy toyed denouncing targeted sanctions.

The youths proceeded to the party’s headquarters where they were addressed by President Robert Mugabe.

Some of the youths were carrying placards written “We will defeat sanctions to realize your dreams” and denounced the US government. Some were wearing T-shirts written “Against Sanctions”.

A freelance journalist Anderson Manyere was apprehended by the protesters for filming the protest march but was later released unharmed.

In a statement, the US Embassy confirmed non receipt of any petition or statement from the ZANU PF protestors that gathered in front of its compound this morning.

“On Wednesday, February 24, 2010, an organized demonstration occurred in front of the U.S. Embassy in Harare. The protesters did not present any specific demands to the Embassy. The U.S. Embassy believes in the right of all Zimbabweans to freely gather and peacefully express their opinions,” the statement said.

The protest comes after last week’s visit by a five member US congressional representatives who met President Mugabe as part of efforts to warm relations between Harare and Washington.

A fortnight ago, the EU extended the targeted sanctions on president Mugabe and his cohorts for another year citing continued human rights abuse and failure to implement the Global Political Agreement.(