Chiluba refuses to be tried by British judge over graft

LUSAKA – Zambia’s corruption-tainted former president Frederick Chiluba yesterday refused to be tried by a British judge in his country over the alleged theft of 13 million pounds (US$23,3 million).

The Zambian government, which filed a civil claim against Chiluba in a London court, agreed to allow Judge Peter Smith to sit in Lusaka because it would not allow the ex-head of state to defend himself in London, Chiluba said in statement. “This matter will create a sad and negative precedent for Zambia and it pours scorn and contempt on our independence,” Chiluba said in a statement.”The London high court has limited jurisdiction …It is important to emphasise that this is not an international court and therefore does not enjoy worldwide jurisdiction,” Chiluba said.The Zambian government is claiming 13 million pounds against Chiluba and 17 other former government officials who allegedly defrauded the government when he was head of state between 1991 to 2001.”The civil claim is based on allegations of theft and fraud that have never been established, determined or proven by any court or tribunal,” Chiluba said.Chiluba is currently facing charges of corruption and theft of state funds in Zambia involving US$488 000, which he allegedly spirited away with cronies.Chiluba said he would not submit himself to any foreign laws or courts, sitting either in Zambia or abroad.Judge Smith last year issued an international order to freeze Chiluba’s assets and accounts until the matter in which the Zambian government is claiming 13 million pounds is resolved.- Nampa-AFP”This matter will create a sad and negative precedent for Zambia and it pours scorn and contempt on our independence,” Chiluba said in a statement.”The London high court has limited jurisdiction …It is important to emphasise that this is not an international court and therefore does not enjoy worldwide jurisdiction,” Chiluba said.The Zambian government is claiming 13 million pounds against Chiluba and 17 other former government officials who allegedly defrauded the government when he was head of state between 1991 to 2001.”The civil claim is based on allegations of theft and fraud that have never been established, determined or proven by any court or tribunal,” Chiluba said.Chiluba is currently facing charges of corruption and theft of state funds in Zambia involving US$488 000, which he allegedly spirited away with cronies.Chiluba said he would not submit himself to any foreign laws or courts, sitting either in Zambia or abroad.Judge Smith last year issued an international order to freeze Chiluba’s assets and accounts until the matter in which the Zambian government is claiming 13 million pounds is resolved.- Nampa-AFP