Zimbabwe police in the capital, Harare, have broken up demonstrations by hundreds of anti-government protesters attempting to march in support of a new constitution. 

Police blocked roads and chased protesters as they attempted to assemble Saturday. The pro-democracy group, National Constitutional Assembly, had called for mass demonstrations to press for a new constitution that would curb President Mugabe's widespread power. The group says Mr. Mugabe used that power to fraudulently win last month's presidential election. 

A spokesman for the pro-democracy group says its chairman, Lovemore Madhuko, was among at least 12 people arrested as police broke up the demonstrations. 

Authorities declared the protests illegal under the new Public Order and Security act and they warned Zimbabweans not to participate, saying penalties under the law would be applied with full force. Penalties for illegal protests range from fines to a year in prison. 

Protest leaders say the ban is unconstitutional. 

Zimbabwe has been wracked by political violence for the past two years. Human rights groups say the ruling party waged a calculated campaign to intimidate opposition supporters and ensure Mr. Mugabe's re-election. 

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters. 

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