Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa has pleaded not guilty to charges of treason and publication of false news.
Namiwa entered the plea today before Judge Mzonde Mvula, as the State indicated that it intends to seek revocation of his bail.
The State is expected to formally present its application for bail revocation by September 16, with Namiwa’s defence lawyer Gladwell Majeke given until September 22 to respond.
The matter will return before the court on September 23 for hearing.
Majeke had asked for more time to study disclosures served on September 8. However, Judge Mvula said he did not want the matter delayed and proceeded with the plea while setting deadlines for the remaining pre-trial processes.
State Director of Litigation Dzikondianthu Malunda told the court that the prosecution has at least five witnesses and will rely on digital evidence.
Malunda estimated that the State would need between three and five days to present its case once the trial begins.
Judge Mvula has set September 25 as the deadline for completion of disclosures, while preliminary issues are expected to be filed by October 8.
The court has reserved October 13 and 14 for hearing preliminary issues, with the main trial scheduled for October 20 to 22.
