Togo detains 3 opposition officials, 53 others after demos

LOME (AFP) - Authorities in the West African nation of Togo have detained three opposition officials and 53 others over protests in recent days that were dispersed with tear gas, prosecutors and the opposition said Saturday.

"Following protests organised on June 12, 13 and 14 by the group of associations and political parties named the Let's Save Togo collective, deliberate violence, destruction and damage were committed against individuals and public and private goods," a statement from prosecutors said. "A total of 56 people are currently in custody."

The statement said they included three organisers. According to the Let's Save Togo collective, they were its leader Zeus Ajavon and two others.