Zambian Opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema was released from prison today, and trumped-up charges of treason against him dropped, after Africa Liberal Network President Stevens Mokgalapa MP visited the country earlier this week to hear the court proceedings against the liberal leader.
Hichilema and his five co-accused were arrested on trumped-up charges of treason in April 2017 but prosecutors dropped all charges on 16 August
Despite his release, an ALN statement noted: “The political situation remains tense as intimidation of the opposition continues in the shadow of an extended state of emergency implemented by President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.”
“The network further calls on the President to lift the state of emergency in Zambia as it is being used as an instrument to intimidate the opposition and control the media. Zambia can once again reclaim its position as a stellar example of a democracy in Africa if the Zambian government ceases arbitrary prosecution and intimidation of opposition parties and their supporters”, the statement continued.
