Aides of Zambia's opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema 'tortured on body parts' during arrest

Aides were arrested on charges of treason for allegedly plotting to overthrow President Lungu.

Aides of Zambia's main opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema were tortured on their genitals when they were arrested over a week ago with Hichilema on charges of treason, their lawyer Jack Mwiimbu has said before a court on Tuesday (18 April).

Known by his supporters as HH, Hichilema was arrested in connection with the allegations, following a police raid on his residence, after which the opposition leader accused President Edgar Lungu of trying to kill him.

Hichilema is appearing in court in the capital, Lusaka, on treason charges for allegedly plotting to overthrow Lungu's government between 12 October 2016 and 12 April 2017. The charge allows no bail and can carry the death penalty.

Tweeting from the court, Hichimena's United Party for National Development (UPND) party has been relaying the proceedings.

Magistrate reading out the charges..."You attempted to take over power by illegal means..." the Court room went into uncontrollable mummers.
— UPND (@UPNDZM) April 18, 2017

Following the reading of charges, lawyer Vincent Malambo hit back, claiming that Hichimena had been arrested "without a warrant".

"He was attacked at his place of residence at night. He was not a danger to police. Teargas was discharged in the room he was with family"
— UPND (@UPNDZM) April 18, 2017

Even under a one party state, in difficult years political prisoners were not treated like this one in these decent times. - Vincent Malambo
— UPND (@UPNDZM) April 18, 2017

Mwiimbu, meanwhile, accused the security forces of mistreatment, claiming the leader's aides had been "tortured on their body parts".