"Witchcraft Plotters Convicted of Assassination Bid on Zambia's President"

Two Men Convicted of Witchcraft Plot to Assassinate Zambia's President In a bizarre case, two men have been convicted in Zambia of plotting to use witchcraft to kill President Hakainde Hichilema. The conviction has raised concerns about the president's handling of opposition and his alleged authoritarian tendencies. According to court documents, 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 residence. Authorities said they found evidence of witchcraft rituals being performed, including human remains and ritualistic objects. The two men were sentenced to two years in prison for their role in the alleged plot, which was reportedly orchestrated by a relative of an opposition MP facing trial on separate charges. The conviction comes as President Hichilema faces growing criticism for suppressing political opposition. Human Rights Watch accused him of exhibiting authoritarian tendencies last year, citing concerns over his government's handling of dissent. The case has sparked debate about the role of witchcraft in Zambian politics and the president's response to opposition. "This is a disturbing trend that suggests President Hichilema is using the law to silence his critics," said a spokesperson for Human Rights Watch. "We urge the government to investigate these allegations and ensure that those responsible are held accountable." The conviction has also raised questions about the involvement of opposition politicians in the alleged plot. According to sources, a relative of an opposition MP was involved in orchestrating the witchcraft ritual. The opposition MP is currently facing trial on separate charges. President Hichilema's office has declined to comment on the case, citing ongoing investigations. However, government officials have defended the president's handling of opposition, saying that he is committed to upholding the law and protecting national security. The conviction of Phiri and Candunde marks a rare instance of witchcraft-related crimes being prosecuted in Zambia. According to experts, witchcraft is often used as a tool for intimidation and manipulation in Zambian politics. As the case continues to unfold, human rights groups are calling on the government to ensure that those responsible for suppressing opposition are held accountable. "This conviction is a warning sign that President Hichilema's government is willing to go to extreme lengths to silence dissent," said a spokesperson for Amnesty International. "We urge the government to respect the rights of all Zambians, including their right to free speech and assembly." The two men are currently serving their sentences at a maximum-security prison in Lusaka. Their lawyers have announced plans to appeal the conviction, citing concerns over the fairness of the trial. In related news, President Hichilema is facing growing pressure from opposition politicians to address allegations of human rights abuses and suppressions of dissent. The president has promised to investigate these claims, but critics say that more needs to be done to ensure accountability and transparency in government. This story was compiled from reports by The Guardian and The Guardian.