No British judge for Chiluba

2005-08-22 21:25

Lusaka - Zambia's corruption-tainted ex-president Frederick Chiluba on Monday refused to be tried by a British judge in his country over the alleged theft of $23.3m.

Chiluba said 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: "This matter will create a sad and negative precedence for Zambia and it pours scorn and contempt on our independence.

"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."

Allegations of theft, fraud

The Zambian government was 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 and 2001.

Chiluba said: "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 was facing charges of corruption and theft of state funds in Zambia involving $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 was claiming 13 million pounds had been resolved.

- AFP