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Zambia opposition leaders deny seditious charges

Xinhua, October 7, 2016 Adjust font size:

Zambia's leading opposition leaders on Thursday pleaded not guilty to a charge of seditious practices and unlawful assembly.

Hakainde Hichilema, leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND) and his vice Geoffrey Mwamba were arrested on Wednesday in Luanshya town, Copperbelt Province after appearing for questioning before the police.

They were slapped with two counts of seditious practices and unlawful assembly which occurred on Sept. 26 when they went to visit some of their supporters arrested during the August general elections.

The duo, who spent night in police custody, has since been granted bail and the case is expected to commence on Oct. 19, according online publication, Zambian Eye.

Hichilema told his supporters after being released that "the fight to release the country from the current dictatorial tendencies must go on."

"We wish to state that this arrest does not in any way stop us from pursuing other avenues to seek justice over our stolen elections. We will stop at nothing until justice is done," Hichilema is quoted saying.

Hichilema, who narrowly lost to incumbent President Edgar Lungu in the Aug. 11 polls, has refused to acknowledge the Zambian leader as duly elected. Endit