Opposition politicians detained

HARARE, Zimbabwe (CNN) - Police in Zimbabwe detained two opposition party members Monday as they arrived to be sworn in at the opening session of parliament, according to officials with the opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change.

The arrests were part of the "sinister agenda of this regime" to "tilt the balance of numbers in their favour during the voting for the speaker of parliament," the Movement for Democratic Change said in a statement.

The party said authorities arrested Shuwa Mudiwa and Elia Jembere just outside the parliament building as they arrived for the swearing-in ceremony.

A third member - Elton Mangoma - escaped an arrest attempt when other party members came to his rescue, the Movement for Democratic Change officials said.