A defense attorney has dismissed as political intimidation and harassment the arrest of Zambian parliamentarian Dora Siliya.
Ms. Siliya, a former minister of Transport and Communications, and spokesperson for the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MMD) party, has been accused of financial malfeasance and abuse of office. She is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday to answer the charges against her.
Attorney Sakwiba Sikota said the accusations are unfounded.
"Certainly, there is no doubt that this is part of a grand scheme to intimidate the opposition and it's all politically motivated," said Sikota. "Even in the manner they have treated her. This is a bailable offense [but] they refused to release her on police bond so right now she is still in police cells, which is very odd."
He said keeping her in custody is especially concerning, given Siliya's medical condition. The legislator has been diagnosed with a critical spine condition, for which she was recently treated at a South African hospital.
"People here have instruction not to give police bond. I know that the decision was made even before my client appeared before the investigations team," said Sikota."
Sikota said a previous tribunal acquitted the lawmaker of the same charges.
"It was presided over by two Supreme Court judges and one High Court judge and with regards to these allegations about the radar system, they actually exonerated my client," said Sikota. "It seems very odd that the state can want to now prosecute over a matter in which two Supreme Court judges and a High Court judge [have] exonerated my client.
The latest charges were brought against Siliya by a joint government investigations team on Monday. The officials contend Siliya improperly cancelled a tender to supply a radar system at the Lusaka international airport in 2008, costing the government about $379,502.
Charity Chanda, spokesperson for the joint government investigations group, explained the charges.
"In the first count, she is alleged to have directed the cancellation of a duly awarded tender for the supply, deliver, and installation and commissioning of the Zambia Air Traffic Management Surveillance Radar System to Thales Air System SA," said Chanda. "In the second count, Siliya is alleged to have accepted a free offer from Selex System Integrati SPA for the repair of a radar as a result, the government lost [$379,502.]."
If convicted, Siliya could spend up to 10 years in jail.
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