General News Zambian opposition leader charged with treason for failing to pull over for president

Aussie792 · Apr 12, 2017

Zambia police charge Hichilema over motorcade clash - BBC News

BBC said:

Zambia's main opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema has been charged with treason after allegedly obstructing the presidential motorcade.

Mr Hichilema's convoy allegedly refused to make way for President Edgar Lungu's convoy on Sunday, while travelling to a ceremony. A confrontation erupted between the two convoys, as the president's motorcade attempted to overtake Mr Hichilema's.

Neither Mr Hichilema nor his lawyer has commented since he was charged. Police said Mr Hichilema's convoy endangered the president's life. Treason is a non-bailable offence in Zambia, with a minimum jail term of 15 years and a maximum sentence of death.

Mr Hichilema was arrested on Tuesday after armed policemen raided his home in an affluent suburb in the capital, Lusaka. He accused police of firing tear gas into his home while his wife, Mutinta Hichilema, said they "wanted to kill my husband".

Last year, Mr Lungu narrowly beat Mr Hichilema in presidential elections. Mr Hichilema's United Party for National Development (UNPD) says it does not recognise Mr Lungu as president. It alleges the poll was rigged.
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Even in a country with scant rule of law, this is a terrifying abuse of the powers of incumbency to influence a prosecution with a possible death sentence against a political opponent.

General News Zambian opposition leader charged with treason for failing to pull over for president

Aussie792 Full Member

Aussie792
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