Zambia: Opposition Leader Wins Suit Against Govt

A high court in Lusaka has awarded Zambia’s main opposition leader damages in a suit he filled against the government and police for defamation.

Michael Sata had sued the government for defamation over his 2002 arrest for allegedly stealing two government vehicles. He was later freed for lack of evidence.

Presiding Judge Justice Martin Imasiku ruled that opposition leader’s indictment was malicious as it lacked evidence and was generally based on a newspaper claim.

Popularly known as "King Cobra", Sata lost the 2006 presidential election to Zambia’s late President Levy Mwanawasa. He came close to winning in 2008 after Mwanawasa’s death, but lost narrowly current President Rupiah Banda according to official results.[ER]