Chihana trial deferred

HARARE (AFP) - The Malawian pro-democracy activist, Chakufwa Chihana, appeared before the High Court in Blantyre yesterday to face sedition charges, but his trial was deferred when Mr Chihana's lawyer, Bazuka Mahango, said that irregularities on the part of the authorities would bring about a miscarriage of justice.

The defence team was given just two weeks to prepare their case instead of the statutory 21, Mr Mahango said. The court deferred the trial to 12 October. Mr Mahango said he understood the authorities were trying to bring in top British lawyers to prosecute Mr Chihana.