Malawi ex-leader mocks coup claim

Bakili Muluzi wants to run for president again next year

Malawi's former leader Bakili Muluzi has told the BBC the idea of him being involved in a coup plot is "laughable".

Mr Muluzi was placed under house arrest in the city of Blantyre after returning from a trip to the UK at the weekend.

He said he was questioned by police who showed him an anonymous letter allegedly linking him to a plot to overthrow President Bingu wa Mutharika.

While he was quizzed, police fired tear gas at his supporters in Blantyre to prevent them from holding protests.

On Sunday, his detention sparked demonstrations in the capital, Lilongwe. Police fired on his supporters who had blocked roads, wounding three people.

Democracy

Mr Muluzi described his arrest and questioning as being "like Hollywood" and "harassment of the highest order".

Mr Mutharika fell out with his predecessor after becoming president

"I'm not a violent person. I believe in democracy myself. I am not a person to take over a government by unlawful means," he told the BBC's Focus on Africa programme.

He said he had not been charged with anything and said he had never seen the anonymous letter detailing the alleged coup plot.

Earlier this month, President Mutharika accused his predecessor of being behind a plot to remove him from office by 16 May.

Eight people were arrested, including two security chiefs and three serving brigadiers.

The BBC's Raphael Tenthani in Blantyre says seven of them been released on bail, but former spy chief Chitsulo Gama remains in custody.

Mr Muluzi's United Democratic Front (UDF) party says the arrests are politically motivated.

Last month, Mr Muluzi, who served two terms before stepping down in 2004, won a contest to be named the UDF's presidential candidate in next year's polls.

It is not clear if he would be eligible to stand, as the constitution bans a president from more than two consecutive terms.

President Mutharika was elected as the UDF candidate in 2004 but soon afterwards fell out with Mr Muluzi and formed his own party.

He said his former political associates were opposed to his anti-corruption drive.