MALAWI: FORMER PRESIDENT MALUZI RELEASED ON BAIL, RALLY

UNCLAS LILONGWE 000307 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/S - ELIZABETH PELLETREAU MCC FOR DIEDRA FAIR LONDON FOR PETER LORD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PINS KDEM ASEC MI SUBJECT: MALAWI: FORMER PRESIDENT MALUZI RELEASED ON BAIL, RALLY PREVENTED BY POLICE REF: A) LILONGWE 294, B) LILONGWE 286 ¶1. (SBU): Summary: On May 30, former president Bakili Muluzi was granted bail and released from house arrest. Muluzi was arrested on May 25 upon his return from the UK (ref A) as a suspect in an alleged coup plot, but was never charged. The High Court in its ruling cited the case of the previous nine suspects (ref B) who were granted bail last week and said the evidence did not meet the required standards to further detain Muluzi. On May 31, Muluzi visited supporters in Lilongwe who had been hurt the day of his arrest, but on June 1, police once again surrounded the house of Muluzi, preventing him from holding a rally in Blantyre. Muluzi supporters threw stones in response leading police to use tear gas to break up the crowds. Police defended their actions, saying they did not receive official word that Muluzi's house arrest had been terminated. End summary. ¶2. (U) On May 30, The High Court granted bail to former president Bakili Muluzi, ending his house arrest. Muluzi was arrested May 25 on suspicion of being involved in a plot to overthrow president Bingu wa Mutharika. Muluzi remained under house arrest for five days while the High Court in Blantyre considered his application for bail. In the ruling, Justice Manyungwa cited the May 20 case of the nine other suspects in the alleged coup, and reconfirmed that the presented evidence did not meet the standards to hold Muluzi further. Muluzi was required to pay $1400 USD bail, must report to the police once a month, and inform the commissioner of Southern Region police headquarters whenever he plans to leave Blantyre. The Judge further stated that he will dismiss all bail conditions in three months if the state fails to charge Muluzi, take him to court, or inform him about the accusations against him. ¶3. (U) On May 31, Muluzi used his new found freedom to visit supporters in Lilongwe who had been hurt the day of his arrest, but on June 1, police once again surrounded his house, preventing him from holding a rally in Blantyre's township of Ndirande. Muluzi's son reported that heavily-armed police officers were instructed to seal off the area until the house arrest has officially been lifted. Supporters from the United Democratic Front Young Democrats threw stones at the police but were quickly overpowered. Anti-riot police fired teargas to drive opposition party supporters away from the area and to prevent further demonstrations. Police defended their actions, saying they did not receive official word that Muluzi's house arrest had been terminated. Muluzi's lawyers claimed that the police are in contempt of court and will pursue further legal remedies. ¶4. (SBU) Comment: Despite the high profile arrests, the government of Malawi has been unable to provide credible evidence of the treason claims. The High Court continues to uphold due process, forcing the government to make a case. The prevention of Muluzi's June 1 rally contiues to bolster Muluzi's claims of harassment, and will further unite the United Democratic Front and its supporters behind him. EASTHAM