Uganda politicians charged with criminal libel over bribery allegations in Besigye trial News
Uganda politicians charged with criminal libel over bribery allegations in Besigye trial

[JURIST] The wife of Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye [BBC profile], Winnie Byanyima, and Forum for Democratic Change [party website] official Jack Sabiti were charged Tuesday with criminal libel and supplying false information for alleging that judges involved in Besigye's trial on treason and rape charges [JURIST report] had been bribed by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni [BBC profile]. The charges stem from a letter Byanyima and Sabiti sent to the chief justice presiding over Besigye's trial alleging that senior judges had been offered money by Museveni in order to influence their decision in the case. The letter, which Byanyima and Sabiti say was confidential, was later published in newspapers and Museveni responded by saying the allegations were blatant lies and calling for punishment of the pair. Byanyima and Sabiti are currently free on bail awaiting a February 14 trial. BBC News has more. The Daily Monitor provides local coverage.

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