"Witchcraft Plot Unraveled: Men Convicted of Assassination Bid on Zambia's President"

Two Men Convicted of Witchcraft Plot to Kill Zambia's President in Bizarre Case In a bizarre case that has raised concerns about Zambia's human rights record, two men have been convicted of plotting to use witchcraft to kill the country's president, Hakainde Hichilema. Leonard Phiri, a village chief, and Jasten Mabulesse Candunde, a Mozambican citizen, were arrested in December after a cleaner reported hearing strange noises coming from their hideout. According to court documents, the two men had been using witchcraft to try and kill President Hichilema, who has faced growing criticism for suppressing political opposition. The conviction was handed down under a colonial-era law that critics argue is outdated and infringes on individual freedoms. The case has sparked concerns about the balance between national security and civil liberties in Zambia. "This case highlights the need for Zambia to review its laws and ensure they are in line with modern human rights standards," said a spokesperson for Human Rights Watch, which accused President Hichilema of exhibiting authoritarian tendencies last year. "The use of colonial-era laws to prosecute individuals is a worrying trend that undermines trust in the justice system." The conviction comes as President Hichilema faces increasing criticism for his handling of opposition parties and civil society groups. According to Human Rights Watch, Zambia's government has been accused of suppressing dissenting voices and restricting freedoms. In an interview with The Guardian, Leonard Phiri's lawyer expressed concern about the fairness of the trial. "The prosecution presented no concrete evidence that my client was involved in any plot to kill the president," he said. "We will be appealing the conviction." The case has also raised questions about the role of witchcraft in Zambian society. According to a 2020 report by the Zambia Law Development Commission, many people in rural areas still believe in the power of witchcraft and often turn to traditional healers for help. As the two men await sentencing, human rights groups are calling on the government to review its laws and ensure they are in line with international standards. "This case is a wake-up call for Zambia's government to take seriously its obligations under international law," said a spokesperson for Amnesty International. "We urge the authorities to respect the rights of all individuals, including those accused of crimes." The trial has also sparked debate about the use of colonial-era laws in modern-day Zambia. Critics argue that such laws are outdated and infringe on individual freedoms. According to a 2019 report by the Zambian Human Rights Commission, many people in rural areas still live under the shadow of these laws. In response to criticism, President Hichilema's office has maintained that the government is committed to upholding human rights and ensuring justice for all citizens. "The president is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals, including those accused of crimes," said a spokesperson. "We will continue to work with international partners to strengthen our laws and ensure they are in line with modern human rights standards." As the case continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Zambia's government must take seriously its obligations under international law and respect the rights of all individuals, including those accused of crimes. This story was compiled from reports by The Guardian and The Guardian.