The Zambian opposition leader, Hakainde Hichilema is reported to have fallen sick in detention as he continues to stand trial for alleged treasonable act against the country’s President, Edgar Lungu.
The United Party for National Development (UPND) which Mr. Hichilema leads said officials have denied him access to medical care.
Hichilema has been remanded in prison custody as he is due to appear in court this week for blocking the motorcade of President Edgar Lungu.
The UPND has said that Mr. Hichilema’s lawyers and family members have failed to get him yo be sent to the hospital.
#HHALERT
Pres. HH has fallen ill in prison. Prison authorities have refused to give him access to medical facilities. 24.4.17, 22:15hrs— UPND (@UPNDZM) April 24, 2017
His lawyers &relatives tried to make frantic efforts to evacuate him to the hospital but to no avail. #HHALERT #HHUnwell #FreeHH #ReleaseHH
— UPND (@UPNDZM) April 24, 2017
The Roman Catholic Church in Zambia in a statement called for the release of Mr. Hichilema and and end to the use of what it calls dictatorial measures on opposition members.
‘‘As we have stated before, The political environment in Zambia today is characterized by manipulation, patronage and intimidation of perceived government opponents. We urge the government to stop using state security institutions to intimidate its own nationals.”
Source: Africafeeds.com
