Zimbabwean authorities released MDC official Roy Bennett from prison today, a day after the Supreme Court ordered his release on bail, a Reuters witness said.
The release could ease tension in the power-sharing government of President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai which faces the task of rebuilding the country's shattered economy.
Bennett, set to become deputy agriculture minister in the unity government, was arrested on Feb. 13 and charged with plotting terrorism.
He was released from jail in Mutare, 300 km (188 miles) east of the capital Harare. Bennett did not speak to journalists or supporters of the Movement for Democratic Change gathered outside the prison.
A High Court judge granted him bail last week but state prosecutors appealed against the decision. The Supreme Court ordered his release yesterday.
Bennett faces up to life in prison if convicted. His arrest is an early test for the new government, which Zimbabweans hope will end years of economic hardship.
Zimbabwe, beset by 90 per cent unemployment, hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods, needs Western donors and foreign investors to rescue its economy.
Their help will be conditional on the implementation of fully democratic government and reforms such as reversing plans for nationalisation.
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