The human rights group, Amnesty International says a church leader who has been under detention since November, is now in a worsening health situation without access to his family members.

It says Christopher Gwagbwe was arrested since September 2014 for allegedly communicating with the deputy chairman of SPLM IO, Alfred Ladu Gore.

In a statement, the rights advocacy group says Mr Christopher is an Episcopal priest affiliated with the Charismatic Episcopal Church.

It said the priest, who is over 60 years old, has high blood pressure and is living in a poor condition in detention, including a poor diet and lack of adequate ventilation.

It said the man should charge with any offence and presented in court.

Amnesty International says though family members were initially allowed to visit him, this access was ended since November 2015.

The group said Mr Christopher is among 33 men who have been detained since December last year. They were initially 35, but two were released: Joseph Bangazi Bakosoro and Professor Leonzio Onek.

Amnesty International has called on the government to either charge each of the 33 men with a recognizable offence, consistent with international law and standards, or immediately release them.