Zambian police on Thursday denied the main opposition party's claims that its detained leader Hakainde Hichilema had been denied access to his lawyers and family but his lawyer insisted this was the case. Hichilema was arrested on Tuesday and charged with treason for allegedly obstructing Lungu's motorcade, raising the political temperature further. Read: Zambian opposition leader Hichilema charged with treason – policeThe two men are old rivals and Lungu has beaten Hichilema narrowly in two presidential elections, including last year's by a razor-thin margin. Hichilema's lawyer Jack Mwiimbu said he had seen his client on Wednesday but had since been prevented from visiting him. Mwiimbu also said Hichilema had complained on Wednesday of feeling unwell after police fired tear gas into his house when he was arrested.

Source: The Star April 13, 2017 16:18 UTC