"Witchcraft Plot Foiled: Two Men Convicted of Trying to Kill 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 human rights in Zambia, two men have been convicted of plotting to use witchcraft to kill 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 at the State House in Lusaka. According to court documents, the two men planned to use witchcraft to kill President Hichilema, who has been facing growing criticism for suppressing opposition and exhibiting authoritarian tendencies. The conviction was handed down under a colonial-era law that critics argue is outdated and infringes on individual freedoms.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 reform of our laws to bring them 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 conviction comes as President Hichilema faces growing criticism for suppressing opposition and limiting individual freedoms. According to reports, the president has been using colonial-era laws to silence critics and opponents. "This case is just one example of how the government is using these outdated laws to suppress dissent," said a local human rights activist. The two men were arrested in December after a cleaner reported hearing strange noises at the State House. Authorities said they found evidence of witchcraft rituals, including charms and potions, at their homes. Phiri and Candunde denied any wrongdoing but were convicted under the Witchcraft Act of 1911, which makes it an offense to use witchcraft to harm or kill someone. The conviction has raised questions about the effectiveness of Zambia's laws in protecting human rights. "This case highlights the need for reform of our laws to bring them in line with modern human rights standards," said a spokesperson for Human Rights Watch. President Hichilema's office has not commented on the case, but the president has been accused of using colonial-era laws to silence critics and opponents. The conviction is seen as a warning sign that Zambia's government is willing to use any means necessary to maintain power. The two men are expected to be sentenced soon. Their lawyers have vowed to appeal the conviction, citing concerns about the fairness of the trial and the constitutionality of the law under which they were convicted. As the case continues to unfold, human rights activists are calling for reform of Zambia's laws to bring them in line with modern human rights standards. "This case is just one example of how the government is using these outdated laws to suppress dissent," said a local human rights activist. This story was compiled from reports by The Guardian and The Guardian.