Former minister, journalists appear in court

An opposition politician and two journalists pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to charges that they defamed President Frederick Chiluba by accusing him of misappropriating state funds, AP reported. The charges stemmed from an article in the independent ‘Post’ newspaper which alleged that Chiluba had stolen millions of dollars for emergency food aid in 1997.

‘Post’ editor Fred M’membe, reporter Bivan Saluseki and former Labour Minister Edith Nawakwi, who was quoted in the article, were accused of subjecting Chiluba to hatred, ridicule or contempt, the report said. Their case was adjourned until 5 September. Dipak Patel, another former cabinet minister and opposition politician who was quoted in the ‘Post’ story, was also likely to be charged with defamation, but was under going medical treatment in a Lusaka clinic, the report said.

Scores of supporters of Chiluba’s Movement for Multiparty Democracy marched through Lusaka’s streets on Wednesday demanding that Patel, of Asian heritage, be deported. According to the report, the protesters said they would not allow a “foreigner” to insult Chiluba or incite Zambians to oppose the president. People could not ridicule the head of state with impunity and get away with it, Michael Sata, MMD national secretary was quoted as saying. With presidential elections due before the end of the year, political tension has been rising in Zambia, a poor southern African nation of 10 million people.