Zimbabwe's ruling party has denounced South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu as a sellout, saying his recent criticism of the Zimbabwean government plays into the hands of white racists.
In comments published in Zimbabwe's state-run Herald newspaper, ruling party official, Didymus Mutasa, said Mr. Tutu has lost his soul to "false gods" in the West such as British Prime Minister Tony Blair and President Bush.
On Sunday, the retired Archbishop and Nobel Laureate accused Zimbabwe of making a mockery of African democracy and alienating Western donors.
Mr. Mutasa slammed back, saying there are far worse governments in Africa, and adding that Zimbabwe's democracy was secured through precious blood in its fight against former colonial ruler, Britain.
Western governments, including the United States and Britain, have sharply criticized Zimbabwe's human rights record, and accused President Mugabe of sinking the economy with his land reform act.
Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.