This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/africa/8205449.stm

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Ex-Zambia leader cleared of graft Ex-Zambia leader cleared of graft
(40 minutes later)
Zambian former president Frederick Chiluba has been cleared of corruption charges after a long-running trial.Zambian former president Frederick Chiluba has been cleared of corruption charges after a long-running trial.
He was accused of embezzling $500,000 during his 10-year presidency, but a judge ruled the funds could not be traced to government money.He was accused of embezzling $500,000 during his 10-year presidency, but a judge ruled the funds could not be traced to government money.
The Lusaka court delivered its verdict following a six-year trial prolonged by the 63-year-old's health problems.The Lusaka court delivered its verdict following a six-year trial prolonged by the 63-year-old's health problems.
Mr Chiluba's immunity from prosecution was lifted in 2003 by his successor, Levy Mwanawasa, who died last year.Mr Chiluba's immunity from prosecution was lifted in 2003 by his successor, Levy Mwanawasa, who died last year.
Mr Chiluba - who was president of the impoverished southern African nation from 1991 to 2001 - had argued that he was targeted in a political witch hunt backed by the British, Zambia's former colonial rulers.Mr Chiluba - who was president of the impoverished southern African nation from 1991 to 2001 - had argued that he was targeted in a political witch hunt backed by the British, Zambia's former colonial rulers.
In a separate case two years ago, the High Court in Britain found Mr Chiluba guilty of defrauding the Zambian government of tens of millions of dollars using London-based bank accounts.In a separate case two years ago, the High Court in Britain found Mr Chiluba guilty of defrauding the Zambian government of tens of millions of dollars using London-based bank accounts.
Mr Chiluba has refused to accept the ruling, labelling it "racist".Mr Chiluba has refused to accept the ruling, labelling it "racist".
His wife, Regina Chiluba, was jailed in March for receiving stolen funds while her husband was in office. She is appealing against the sentence.His wife, Regina Chiluba, was jailed in March for receiving stolen funds while her husband was in office. She is appealing against the sentence.