Lusaka — Zambia’s detained opposition leader, Hakainde Hichilema, pleaded not guilty to treason on Monday, ahead of a trial set to fuel political tension in a country previously known for its relative stability. Hichilema, leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND), has been in custody since April over an incident when he allegedly failed to give way to President Edgar Lungu’s motorcade. Lungu, who narrowly beat Hichilema in last year’s presidential election, has dismissed allegations of growing authoritarianism and has accused his rivals of trying to overturn the election result. Hichilema and five aides “denied the charge of treason and the state has decided to take the matter to Wednesday for trial”, UPND spokesman Charles Kakoma told foreign journalists outside the court. Police officers in riot gear sealed off the court precinct as scores of UPND supporters waited outside. Kakoma said Hichilema, who remained in custody, appeared in good health at the brief heari...
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