The situation in Zimbabwe is still tense with reports of violence and government intimidation. Besides, unemployment is at 80%, and hyper-inflation has destroyed the economy. This gave President Mugabe’s speech on Independence Day a bleak backdrop. Mugabe said the opposition is plotting an illegal regime change and is doing so with the help of the British. Earlier this week British Prime Minister Gordon Brown spoke at UN headquarters and sent some blunt criticism at Mugabe. part of Mugabe’s speech today appeared to be a direct response to Brown’s challenge and he criticized Brown’s criticism of Zimbabwe’s human rights record. But in the 28 years since Mugabe took office he’s been accused of numerous human rights violations and the opposition leader said Mugabe might need to be brought to justice.