Wednesday 16 August 2017

Zambia opposition leader goes free after state drops treason charges


Zambian opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema was freed from prison on Wednesday after the state prosecutor dropped charges of plotting to overthrow the government, but a judge warned him he could be arrested again at any time.
Hichilema and five others were arrested in April and charged with treason after his convoy failed to make way for President Edgar Lungu's motorcade. His release could help defuse tensions in the southern African country, where Lungu imposed a state of emergency in July.
High Court judge Charles Chanda told Hichilema and his co-accused that the prosecutor had terminated the proceedings but their discharge was conditional.
"This is not an acquittal as you can be arrested any time over the same offence. For now you are free to go home," he said.
Hichilema's supporters were jubilant, but he showed no emotion as he listened to the judge. He then drove from prison to the headquarters of his United Party for National Development (UPND) in an open-roof Toyota Land Cruiser and waved to supporters over the 5 km (3 miles) stretch.
In a speech outside the building, he called on the government to free several members of the party who are still detained over various charges.
"As of yesterday, some of our members were arrested. Even today, as I speak, others were arrested," Hichilema told hundreds of supporters, without giving details of the cases.
"Zambia's criminal justice system has broken down. I can't say I am free when our members are in detention," Hichilema said, adding "I am willing to go back to prison" if the arrests persisted.
Hundred of people celebrated outside the prison, singing, dancing and waving red and yellow UPND flags. Others marched outside the party's headquarters, shouting Hichilema's name and punching the air in victory.
"It is good he is out, but sad that he has been released conditionally. We would have loved him to be acquitted," said Peter Simukonda, a 26-year-old University of Zambia student.

Source: Reuters

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