A leading opposition figure in Malawi has been charged with plotting to assassinate the country’s president, Lazarus Chakwera.
Patricia Kaliati, secretary general of the UTM party, was arrested last week on suspicion of “conspiracy with others to commit a serious crime”.
When the 57-year-old appeared before a court in Malawi’s capital Lilongwe on Monday, he said nothing. But her lawyer argued that the politician maintained her innocence, local media reported.
Few details about the alleged plot have been shared, and several opposition figures claim the charges against Kaliati are politically motivated.
UTM supporters gathered outside the court and sang anti-government songs ahead of the hearing, AFP news agency said.
Inside, the court heard Kaliati had two co-conspirators, who were said to be on the run.
The magistrate ultimately ruled that Kaliati could be released on bail as the investigation continued.
The prosecutor had asked to hold her for another week.
Police in Malawi said they were acting within the law and that Kaliati’s rights would be respected.
Her party, the UTM, was part of the province’s government until June, when it withdrew after the death of its leader, Saulos Chilima, who was vice president.
He died at the age of 51 after a military plane he was flying crashed in a forest in northern Malawi.
Kaliati has since declared her candidacy to replace Chilima as party leader, with the intention of challenging Chakwera in next year’s presidential elections.
Kaliati was a primary school teacher before entering politics and is known for her outspoken, outspoken nature.
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