ZAMBIA: KENNETH KAUNDA FREED FROM HOUSE ARREST

(1 Jun 1998) English/Nat

The former Zambian President, Kenneth Kaunda, was freed on Monday after serving five months under house arrest, accused of knowing about plans to overthrow the government.

The High Court in Zambia released Kaunda after state prosecutors dropped the case against him, apparently for lack of evidence.

It had been alleged that Kaunda had prior knowledge of a military coup by junior officers last year.

Until Monday morning, the 74-year-old former president hadn't stepped outside his house since January.

After emerging from the hearing at Lusaka High Court he was mobbed.

Prosecutors said they had dropped their case because of a lack of evidence.

But they entered a plea of 'no prosecution' which allows them to reopen the case if they unearth more evidence.

Kaunda ruled Zambia for 27 years until he was ousted by the voters in 1991.

But he still has the loyal support of many.

As he spoke, the crowd surged towards a defiant Kaunda, who now leads the country's main opposition group - the United National Independence Party.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I said I would not shove (budge) until I was told why I was in prison. Today God has granted it - that I am out. But I have not been told why I was prison for five months and seven days. Why, I still don't know."
SUPER CAPTION: Kenneth Kaunda, Former President of Zambia

Seeming in robust form since his arrest on Christmas day, Kenneth Kaunda did not hold back from mocking the governing party - the
Movement for Multiple Party Democracy.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Those ambassadors (politicians) know that the promises of the MMD - (Movement for Multiple Party Democracy) or the Movement for Madrax (a drug) Dealers or the MMD movement for mass destruction, all the promises that they made about accountability, transparency about governors, good governors. All these things, they have forgotten."
SUPER CAPTION: Kenneth Kaunda, Former President of Zambia

Kaunda's bodyguard was released at the same time and quickly took up his position next the ageing politician.

Both men were charged with concealing prior knowledge of a coup attempt by junior military officers that was quickly crushed in October 1997.

Shortly after being released Kaunda took the media to his home where he posed for pictures cradling his grandson.

As he drove through this downtown Lusaka street waving his trademark white handkerchief, he was escorted by thousands of well wishers.

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