Zambia: Lawyers fear for opposition leader's life

Anything can happen to incarcerated opposition leader Hichilema in prison, say lawyers

By Francis Maingaila

LUSAKA (AA) - Lawyers representing Zambia's incarcerated opposition leader expressed concern about his safety at a maximum security prison.

Opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema’s life is in danger at the prison where he is being tortured by suspected state agents planted to inflict pain on him, lawyer Jack Mwiimbu told reporters in Kabwe on Sunday.

Besides being tortured, Hichilema is sharing a small cell without toilet nor running water with 20 condemned prisoners, Kabwe added.

Kabwe also expressed fear that anything can happen not only to Hichilema but also his accused fellows.

Meanwhile, the prisons authority Sunday afternoon blocked 50 opposition MPs from seeing Hichilema at the prison.

The prisons authority were under instruction to stop any visitors from seeing Hichilema, Garry Nkombo, Mazabuka MP, told reporters.

“Our lawyers will obtain a fresh court order to compel the police to allow the treason accused access visitors,” Nkombo said.

Kaynak:

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