Zambian court lifts visitation ban for opposition head

By Francis Maingaila
LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - A Zambian court has ordered Tuesday the lifting of a visitation ban on opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema and his co-accused. The court also ruled to allow the head of the United Party for National Development and his followers to have access to medical treatment and legal representation
“Suspects should not be treated like convicted criminals. They still are human beings with rights that need not only to be respected but also need protection under the constitution,” said Judge Green Malumano.
“I therefore order that, all the suspects be accorded an opportunity to medical facilities and should be allowed legal representation,” he added.
Hichilema and his co-accused were arrested and charged with treason after they allegedly refused to give way to President Edgar Lungu’s presidential motorcade in Limulunga, in western Zambia.
They were arrested and charged with treason on April 11 following a raid at Hichilema's house.