国际英语资讯:Zambia opposition leader released, treason charges dropped_时事

国际英语资讯:Zambia opposition leader released, treason charges dropped

LUSAKA, Aug. 16 -- Zambia's leading opposition leader on Wednesday said he has always been innocent of the treason charges he was slapped with.

Hakainde Hichilema, who was freed by a judge on Wednesday morning after the state prosecutor dropped charges against him of plotting to overthrow the government, said he remains resolute that the treason charge was a political machination meant to silence him.

Hichilema and five others were arrested in April this year and have been in custody since then as treason is not bailable in Zambia.

"We have been innocent and shall be," he said in a brief statement posted on his Facebook page.

He however said he wanted a better Zambia.

The opposition leader later told his supporters at the party's secretariat that he was committed to peace and stability of the country in order to ensure development.

He said the country was divided on political lines and called for purpose of unity from all stakeholders.

The opposition leader further said the time he spent in prison had not crushed him but made him even stronger.

"We cannot continue living the way we are, it is uncomfortable. It is our collective duty to bring back unity in our country. We are so divided," he added.

His release sparked wide celebrations in the Zambian capital as his convoy was driven from the Chimbokaila Prison where he was held to the party's secretariat.