The trial of former Zambian president Frederick Chiluba, charged with stealing millions of dollars from state coffers, opened in Lusaka on Tuesday, but was adjourned until Wednesday.
”Peace for Christmas,” Chiluba told reporters upon his arrival at court, smiling and looking relaxed.
On his departure, a few hours later, he declared: ”A boxer does not make comments after the first round,” but replied positively when asked if the first round had gone well.
Chiluba, who was head of state from 1991 to 2001, is on trial with six co-accused — a former intelligence chief, a former ambassador to the United States, two businessmen and two civil servants.
They are faced with 169 charges of theft, corruption and abuse of power involving more than $29-million.
The trial is officially due to end on December 12, but could in fact last for months or even years.
On December 16 Chiluba will face a second corruption trial, along with former intelligence chief Xavier Chungu, accused of stealing a further $4-million.
The former president, who is 61, was arrested twice this year after Parliament — at current President Levy Mwanawasa’s behest — unanimously resolved to lift his presidential immunity last year so that he could face prosecution for various criminal acts he allegedly committed while in office. — Sapa-AFP