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A leading member of Malawi\u2019s opposition has been charged with plotting to kill the country’s President, Lazarus Chakwera.<\/p>\n
Patricia Kaliati, Secretary-General of the UTM party, was arrested last week on suspicion of “conspiring with others to commit a serious offence”.<\/p>\n
Appearing on Monday at a court in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, the 57-year-old did not speak. But her lawyer argued that the politician maintained her innocence, local media reports.<\/p>\n
Few details of the alleged plot have been shared and various opposition figures claim the charges against Kaliati are politically motivated.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
UTM supporters gathered outside the court and sang anti-government songs ahead of the hearing, according to the AFP news agency.<\/p>\n
Inside, the court heard that Kaliati had two co-conspirators – said to be on the run. <\/p>\n
The magistrate eventually ruled that Kaliati could be released on bail as investigations continue. <\/p>\n
The state prosecutor had asked for her to be held for another week.<\/p>\n
Police in Malawi said they were acting within the law and that Kaliati’s rights would be respected.<\/p>\n
Her party, the UTM, was part of the county’s government until June when it withdrew following the death of its leader, Saulos Chilima<\/a>, who was serving as vice-president.<\/p>\n He died aged 51 after a military aircraft he was flying in crashed in a forest in the north of Malawi.<\/p>\n Kaliati has since presented herself as a candidate to replace Chilima as party leader, with a view to challenge Chakwera in next year\u2019s presidential election.<\/p>\n A primary school teacher before entering politics, Kaliati is well known for her outspoken, straight-talking character.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n