Former Zambian President's Aide Jailed in Defamation Case

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, June 14, 2002

Former Zambian President's Aide Jailed in Defamation Case

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

A senior aide of former Zambian president Frederick Chiluba was put into prison for eight days on Thursday for his refusal to testify for the defense in a defamation trial of four people who called Chiluba a thief.

Lusaka principal magistrate Frank Tembo said in a ruling that Donald Chanda, former economic adviser to Chiluba, was remanded inprison "to reflect on the evidence he must give the court to show that the former president was or was not a thief."

Under the Zambian law, Chanda's prison detention is at a magistrate's discretion and does not carry a bail option.

It is a criminal offense to defame a sitting president in Zambia.

Fred M'membe, editor of the independent Post newspaper, Post reporter Bivan Saluseki and former ministers-turned opposition leaders Edith Nawakwi and Dipak Patel are on trial for defaming Chiluba while he was in office.

Earlier, defense lawyer Mutembo Nchito had told the court he wanted Chanda to explain his dealings at the Zambia National Oil Company, the state oil procurer whose board he chaired and which has since been dissolved and shut.

Chiluba retired after he was in office for the maximum two five-year terms permitted by the constitution.

Judiciary sources said Chanda will be called on again to give evidence.

Questions?Comments? Click here

China's Annual Mineral Exports, Imports Tops US$100 Billion ( 3 Messages)

Taiwan Media Reveals US Submarine Sale to Taiwan ( 10 Messages)

Jiang Hopes US to Creat a "Good Climate" for Sino-US Relations ( 3 Messages)

Sino-Russian Ties Curb US Pressures: News Analysis ( 2 Messages)

China Likely to Launch the Lowest SAR in the World ( 8 Messages)