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![]() Thursday, April 1, 1999 Published at 14:53 GMT 15:53 UK ![]() ![]() World: Africa ![]() Kaunda to challenge citizenship ruling ![]() Mr Kaunda's supporters during a court hearing last year ![]() Supporters of Kenneth Kaunda - the man who led Zambia for nearly three decades - say they are confident of overturning a court ruling declaring him stateless.
The decision was criticised by the former president's lawyers. "I find it amazing that the judge has not cited any cases either in Zambia or other countries. This judgement was written without any supporting authority," said Julius Sakala, a member of Mr Kaunda's legal team. Mr Kaunda's supporters have dismissed the ruling as another attempt to harass him. Appeal to be launched
Mr Kaunda was born in Zambia to Malawian parents. His lawyers have lodged an appeal to the Supreme Court to have the judgement overturned. They are expected to cite an earlier court ruling that anyone residing in the former British protectorate of Northern Rhodesia in1964 is entitled to Zambian citizenship. Party support Kenneth Kaunda's opposition United National Independence Party (UNIP) says there is a clear political agenda behind the court's ruling.
Mr Chiluba's ruling Movement for Multi-Party Democracy changed the constitution to prevent Mr Kaunda contesting the 1996 elections. Last year, Mr Kaunda was freed from jail after charges relating to his alleged involvement in a coup attempt were dropped. The decision not to press charges followed sustained pressure from international human rights bodies and opposition groups within Zambia. Mr Kaunda later announced his intention to retire from active politics. However, his supporters say they believe the Zambian Government will continue to put pressure on Mr Kaunda until he leaves the country, thus removing their foremost political opponent. ![]() |
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