Zambia has released 14 coup plotters from prison after President Levy Mwanawasa commuted their death sentences to prison terms earlier this year, a statement said on Tuesday.
The 14 junior soldiers, who were convicted for their role in a foiled 1997 military coup against then president Frederick Chiluba, were released after serving one-third of their 10-year prison sentences and were among a group of 22 saved from the death penalty by Mwanawasa.
”These 14 have completed their terms after the presidential pardon, hence their release,” said senior prisons officer Mukosha Silwamba.
Last week, the mastermind of the failed coup, Captain Jack Chiti, was released on humanitarian grounds. Chiti suffers from cancer.
He and another military officer, Captain Steven Lungu, admitted in court that they organised the failed coup and that other army officers were merely following orders. – Sapa-AFP