Harry Findlay appears in court on terrorism financing charge

LUSAKA businessman Harry Findlay appeared in the Lusaka High Court facing a charge of prohibition against financing terrorism. Mr. Findlay, who appeared unwell, was before Judge Lameck Mwale for a possible plea. However, after the matter was heard in chambers, Judge Mwale recused himself, citing professional grounds. The judge directed that the file be returned

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LUSAKA businessman Harry Findlay appeared in the Lusaka High Court facing a charge of prohibition against financing terrorism.

Mr. Findlay, who appeared unwell, was before Judge Lameck Mwale for a possible plea. However, after the matter was heard in chambers, Judge Mwale recused himself, citing professional grounds.

The judge directed that the file be returned to the Judge-in-Charge for reallocation to another judge.

Mr. Findlay’s lawyer, Milner Katolo, told journalists the defence had filed a habeas corpus application challenging what it termed the unlawful detention of its client.

Mr. Katolo said Mr. Findlay was arrested on August 4 and charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act, which requires that a person arrested under the Act be brought before court within 48 hours.

He said the 48-hour period lapsed on August 6. “If you don’t do that, then everything becomes illegal and unlawful,” Mr. Katolo said.

“That’s why we have moved by way of habeas corpus to establish before the court that this is an illegal detention,” he said.

Mr. Katolo also said his client, who is detained at Mwembeshi Correctional Facility, was in poor health. He said Mr. Findlay complained of high blood pressure and low blood sugar levels.

“So, he needs proper medical examination to establish his condition,” Mr. Katolo said.

The matter will be allocated to another judge for hearing.

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