The former Zambian president, Kenneth Kaunda, has again defied government restrictions on him.

Addressing a group of about thirty supporters at a court in Lusaka, Mr Kaunda said he would not be silenced, and described as stupid a law barring him from politics.

Mr Kaunda and his lawyers were in court to challenge a house arrest order on him, imposed for what the government says was Mr Kaunda's role in a coup attempt last October.

Mr Kaunda denies the accusation.

The judge refused a prosecution claim that the present challenge is invalid, because it related to the period Mr Kaunda spent in jail after his Christmas Day arrest.The hearing is continuing.

Earlier, President Chiluba of Zambai attacked western governments for criticising his treatment of Mr Kaunda.

Mr Chiluba said Zambia would not allow foreigners to interfere in his country's affairs

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
 

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