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Death sentences for coup plotters

A Zambian high court on Friday sentenced 59 soldiers to death for their role in a failed coup in 1997. Eight others were acquitted, Reuters reported. Judge Japhet Banda also sentenced one soldier to 21 years in jail for concealing knowledge of treason from authorities. Army officers briefly seized power in October 1997 but were overpowered five hours later by troops loyal to President Frederick Chiluba.

This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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