Lawyer Milner Katolo, representing Valden Findlay, has confirmed that former presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, lawyer Makebi Zulu and 16 others have been charged with treason, bringing the total number of accused to 18.
Mr Katolo says the seriousness of the charge demands that the State clearly demonstrate in court what conduct allegedly constituted treason, arguing that such a grave offence should not be brought against individuals carelessly or without serious consideration.
The lawyer has also raised concerns over access to legal representation, saying while the accused were eventually allowed to meet their lawyers at Lusaka Central Police, access was restricted earlier in the day.
Mr Katolo further alleges that his client, Valden Findlay, was previously denied access to his lawyers and family and was charged with financing terrorism in the absence of his legal representatives.
He says the defence is now anxious for the matter to proceed to court, where the State will be required to prove its case and the defence will have an opportunity to test the evidence.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani
