The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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A civil court in Uganda has indicted opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye on charges of treason and failure to report the allegations to any authorities.
Besigye and his co-accused did not file any pleas, as these charges can only be dealt with by the country’s Supreme Court.
This is the first time Besigye has been brought to a civilian court for formal charges, following last month’s high court ruling that civilian cases should be transferred from military courts.
Besigye has now ended his hunger strike after being formally charged in a civil court, which was one of the reasons for the hunger strike.
He was brought to court today, after initially going on a hunger strike.
The original charges of illegal possession of ammunition and treason were not included in the new indictment.
There has been pressure on the government following the detention of Besigye and his co-defendants without warrant.
Today’s formal charges mark the beginning of his trial and the finding of legal grounds for his continued detention.
His legal team is now working on a bail application so he can receive medical treatment.
By: BBC
