LILONGWE, Malawi
A leading member of Malawi’s opposition has been charged with plotting to kill the country's President, Lazarus Chakwera.
Patricia Kaliati, secretary
general of the UTM party, was arrested last week on suspicion of
"conspiring with others to commit a serious offence".
Appearing on Monday at a court
in Malawi's capital, Lilongwe, the 57-year-old did not speak. But her lawyer
argued that the politician maintained her innocence, local media reports.
Few details of the alleged
plot have been shared and various opposition figures claim the charges against
Kaliati are politically motivated.
UTM supporters gathered
outside the court and sang anti-government songs ahead of the hearing,
according to our reporter.
Inside, the court heard that
Kaliati had two co-conspirators - said to be on the run.
The magistrate eventually
ruled that Kaliati could be released on bail as investigations continue.
The state prosecutor had asked
for her to be held for another week.
Police in Malawi said they were acting within the law and that Kaliati's rights would be respected.
Her party, the UTM, was part
of the county's government until June when it withdrew following the
death of its leader, Saulos Chilima, who was serving as vice-president.
He died aged 51 after a
military aircraft he was flying in crashed in a forest in the north of Malawi.
Kaliati has since presented
herself as a candidate to replace Chilima as party leader, with a view to
challenge Chakwera in next year’s presidential election.
A primary school teacher
before entering politics, Kaliati is well known for her outspoken,
straight-talking character.
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