HARARE: Zimbabwe police have fired tear gas and water cannons to break up anti-government protests in the capital, Harare.

Police beat up several journalists covering the protests Wednesday, smashing a video camera and attacking a journalist's car, breaking windows and taking a laptop.

Earlier the baton-wielding police moved in as scores of activists marched against a currency crisis in the country.

Another group of protesters calling themselves unemployed university graduates were also marching to Parliament wearing their graduation gowns.

Police are maintaining a heavy presence in downtown Harare although the situation has calmed.

Frustrations over a rapidly deteriorating economy have heightened tensions in the southern African country, with street protests becoming a near-daily occurrence.