Zambian gov't denies influencing ex-leader's acquittal over graft charges

The Zambian government on Wednesday denied accusations that it influenced a court's decision to acquit former President Rupiah Banda who was facing corruption charges.

On Monday, a court cleared the former president on a charge of abuse of authority of office. Banda, who ruled Zambia from August 2008 to September 2011, was accused of having personally benefited from a 2.5 million U.S dollars Nigerian oil deal that was on a government-to-government basis.

But the court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, saying there was insufficient evidence against the former leader, a move that has received condemnation from a cross section of society.

On Tuesday, the country's leading private newspaper the Post, carried a story in which it was quoting some opposition politicians who claimed the outcome of the case was well known following current President Edgar Lungu's closeness with the former leader.

Chief Government Spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili said it was unfortunate that opposition political parties were accusing the government of having a hand in the acquittal of the former leader.

"Zambia's democracy is built on separation of powers among the three arms of government, namely the executive, judiciary and legislature. The judiciary reserves the right to make its own decisions without any undue pressure or influence from other arms of government or indeed individuals," he said in a statement. Endi