HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — Dozens of protesters have marched in the Zimbabwean capital to mark one year since the abduction of an anti-government activist.

Police kept their distance on Wednesday from the Harare demonstration, which sought to focus attention on the disappearance of Itai Dzamara, a former newspaper reporter who was grabbed by assailants when he was in a barbershop and was bundled into a waiting car. The government has denied responsibility; police say they are still searching for leads.

The march only proceeded after a judge overturned a police ban on the event.

Joining the march, opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai accused the government of using forced disappearances to silence President Robert Mugabe's critics.

Two days before his abduction, Dzamara said at a rally organized by Tsvangirai that Zimbabweans should rebel against Mugabe.