Zimbabwe activists remain in jail

(CNN) - A leading Zimbabwean human rights activist will remain in custody until the Supreme Court decides whether the charges against her are valid, a judge ruled Tuesday.

Jestina Mukoko was seized from her home on December 3 and her whereabouts were unknown until she appeared in court on December 24. Her supporters say she was kidnapped by agents of the state and forced to confess that she was recruiting people to overthrow the government of President Robert Mugabe. She could face the death penalty.

Tuesday's ruling by magistrate Olivia Mariga means Mukoko cannot legally be treated as a suspect - but it does not free her from prison.

Eight other people, mostly from the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, face the same charges and will also remain in custody. They include a 2-year-old child, who shouted when he appeared in court Tuesday.