Zimbabwe's upper house of parliament approves legislation that critics say will gag civil society groups, placing them under the threat of harsh sanctions and strict government control. The Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill needs to be ratified by the president before passing into law. Critics say it is a government clampdown on dissent as the country heads towards general elections later this year. "Here the bill comes to make sure that no-one is allowed to talk against the current government or the ruling party,” says Senator Morgen Komichi. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES