Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has criticized Switzerland after his wife and five aides were denied visas.

Mr. Mugabe said Sunday he was was “surprised, if not saddened” by the decision last week, which resulted in him canceling plans to attend a U.N. conference in Switzerland.

He said the Swiss are showing they are “vicious,” and Mr. Mugabe said he will reciprocate because Switzerland has properties in Zimbabwe.

The European Union and the United States have imposed travel bans and financial restrictions on Mr. Mugabe and dozens of his associates, whom they accuse of human rights abuses and political repression.

Mr. Mugabe and his entourage had planned to travel to Geneva for a summit on information communication technology.