(23 Jun 2008) HEADLINE: Zimbabwe opposition leader in hiding
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CAPTION: Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai took refuge today in the Dutch Embassy in the capital Harare, as world leaders reacted to the lated in the country's presidential elections. (June 23)
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[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE]
SOT: Morgan Tsvangirai, Opposition leader: we will no longer participate in this violent, illegitimate sham of an election process."
Shortly after announcing he was dropping out of Zimbabwe's presidential race -- Morgan Tsvangairai dropped out of sight.
The opposition leader is holded up in the Dutch Embassy -- saying he fears for his safety.
Police Monday raided his party's headquarters and detained dozens.
Reaction from world leaders has been swift.
SOT: Gordon Brown : Our thoughts are with the people of Zimbabwe who are facing an unprecedented level of violence and intimidation from the regime."
SOT: Jean-Maurice Ripert, French Ambassador to the UN: Nobody believes that it's an internal problem of Zimbabwe anymore.
SOT Kevin Rudd: We encourage other countries to extend similar levels of sanctions. We are actively considering what further measures may be taken to pressure the Mugabe regime
Tsvangirai won the first round of the presidential election against longtime leader Robert Mugabe back in March, but not by enough to avoid a runoff.
Since then - the election has been marked by violence --
Human rights groups say 85 people have died -- and tens of thousands have been forced from their homes.
Mugabe officials say that runoff will go on as planned this Friday.
Dutch officials say Tsvangirai has not requested asylum
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