Harare - Leading Zimbabwean human rights activist Jestina Mukoko was released on bail on Monday after nearly three months in custody.

A magistrate's court in Harare ordered her release on bail of 600 dollars. Zimbabwe Peace Project head Mukoko was taken from her home by state agents in her nightdress in the early hours of December 3 and held incommunicado for weeks, causing an international outcry.

Her whereabouts remained unknown until her surprise court hearing on December 24 to face charges of recruiting or training for banditry.

The Movement for Democratic Change of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has called the charges against her and dozens of other party members and activists "trumped up."

"It's good to be free... I need to call my son and tell him I'm free," Mukoko told reporters as she left the courtroom.

The state did not oppose bail on Monday.

The court ordered Mukoko to surrender her passport. (dpa)