Treason convict seeks amnesty
Mar 24, 2008
A treason convict has petitioned the High Court seeking to be released under the Amnesty Act. Africanus Gabula, who reportedly belonged to a group called Kirimuttu, says the Amnesty Commission violated his constitutional rights when it refused to pardon him.
By Hillary Nsambu
A treason convict has petitioned the High Court seeking to be released under the Amnesty Act. Africanus Gabula, who reportedly belonged to a group called Kirimuttu, says the Amnesty Commission violated his constitutional rights when it refused to pardon him.
Gabula, who petitioned the court on March 18, also accused the Amnesty Commission of violating his rights to a fair and just treatment.
He also complained that the Director of Public Prosecutions infringed on his rights when he refused to certify that he was entitled to pardon though under custody.
The court has asked the Attorney General to file a defence within 15 days.
According to records, Gabula was arrested in 1988 and convicted of treason in 1993. The Supreme Court confirmed the death sentence against him in 1995.
Gabula said he renounced rebellion in 2000 to the officer in-charge of the Upper Prison, Luzira, before applying for amnesty.
However, the commission ruled that Gabula, as a convict on death row, was not entitled to amnesty and could not be described as “persons in lawful detentionâ€.
The Principal Judge also i advised him to petition the commissioner of prisons.
A treason convict has petitioned the High Court seeking to be released under the Amnesty Act. Africanus Gabula, who reportedly belonged to a group called Kirimuttu, says the Amnesty Commission violated his constitutional rights when it refused to pardon him.
Gabula, who petitioned the court on March 18, also accused the Amnesty Commission of violating his rights to a fair and just treatment.
He also complained that the Director of Public Prosecutions infringed on his rights when he refused to certify that he was entitled to pardon though under custody.
The court has asked the Attorney General to file a defence within 15 days.
According to records, Gabula was arrested in 1988 and convicted of treason in 1993. The Supreme Court confirmed the death sentence against him in 1995.
Gabula said he renounced rebellion in 2000 to the officer in-charge of the Upper Prison, Luzira, before applying for amnesty.
However, the commission ruled that Gabula, as a convict on death row, was not entitled to amnesty and could not be described as “persons in lawful detentionâ€.
The Principal Judge also i advised him to petition the commissioner of prisons.