Asian held over posters

AN Asian businessman was yesterday arrested by Police after he allegedly removed posters of presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye from his business premises, reports Geoffrey Kamali. Amir Kassim Virgi, 67, proprietor of Gav Enterprises on plot 20, Nakivubo Road in Kampala, was picked up by four policemen after angry Besigye supporters threatened to lynch him. Police spokesman Asuman Mugenyi, said they were investigating whether there was any malicious intent on Virgi's part. He said Virgi was not harmed. The incident, which occurred at about 11:00am, sparked off controversy on whether campaign posters should be placed anywhere, including business and residential premises in the city. "We are trying to establish whether the law allows people to place campaign posters everywhere. What is not clear is whether there was any malice involved," Mugenyi said. Section 76 of the Presidential Elections Act 2000 says any person who maliciously defaces, removes or tears any election posters commits an offence Virgi reportedly told Police that the posters were placed on his building on Monday night without his permission. It was not possible to get a comment from Kampala City Council (KCC). Its spokesman, Mr. Simon Muhumuza, was said to be on leave. His deputy, Herbert Semakula, was out of office. Virgi was transferred to Old Kampala Police station from the new taxi park Police post amid screams for his head from an angry mob. On Wednesday, Electoral Commission boss Aziz Kasujja warned people against defacing campaign posters. He asked the Police to arrest culprits. Ends