Zambian opposition leader arrested ahead of elections
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Zambian police have arrested an opposition leader for allegedly training a militia to carry out violent acts ahead of general elections on Aug. 11.
Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba, vice president of the opposition United Party for National Development, was released on Thursday. A day earlier, prosecutors filed charges against him and police fired tear gas to disperse his supporters.
Police say they arrested 21 youths and confiscated a pistol and other weapons at Mwamba's property in the Zambian capital, Lusaka.
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Mwamba, who must return to court on March 10, denies the accusations and describes the legal action against him as "part of the continued struggle" for better living conditions for Zambians.