Zambia’s opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema on Wednesday was denied bail after his lawyers made a request before a court. He is however due to re-appear in court on Thursday for his trial to continue.
Hichilema has been charged with treason for blocking the motorcade of the country’s President Edgar Lungu. He was arrested by the police in his house early this month and has since been in custody.
Earlier on Wednesday lawyers of the Zambian opposition leader asked a lower court to throw out the treason charges against him but the court refused to do so and referred the case to a higher court.
The United Party for National Development (UPND) which Mr. Hichilema leads has been tweeting about proceedings in court.
In video: President Hakainde Hichilema leaves #Lusaka Magistrate Court back to #Chimbokaila Prison. #SubstitutedTreasonCharges #ReleaseHH pic.twitter.com/PMMoRpGbgN
— UPND (@UPNDZM) April 26, 2017
Magistrate Simusamba takes all into consideration but states matter is before him for he first time. Adjourns to tomorrow 27th April 9hrs. pic.twitter.com/1z53e4mVTf
— UPND (@UPNDZM) April 26, 2017
Magistrate Simusamba states that this offence is non bailable. #FreeHH
— UPND (@UPNDZM) April 26, 2017
We are in Court 5 now. New Court… New treason charge…New magistrate. #ReleaseHH #FreeHH #Zambia
— UPND (@UPNDZM) April 26, 2017
Bear in mind treason charge has been amended/substituted by State.Because of amendment its like a new charge it has to start all over again pic.twitter.com/Bi83QeoWDM
— UPND (@UPNDZM) April 26, 2017
Gallery rising and proceeding to Court 5. #ReleaseHH #FreeHH #TrumpedUpTreasonCharge #ZambiaArrest #ZambiaPolice #Zambia pic.twitter.com/GdOwiPrWkj
— UPND (@UPNDZM) April 26, 2017
This current trial considered by many as political has heightened tension in the Southern African nation.
President Edgar Lungu’s Patriotic Front (PF) party beat the UPND in last year’s elections challenged by the UPND which claimed the vote was rigged.
Source: Africafeeds.com
