Malawi frees 11

LUSAKA (AP) - Eleven political prisoners, including Aleke Banda, a former Cabinet minister jailed for 12 years, and the trade union leader Chakufwa Chihana, have been freed in Malawi, diplomats and other sources said yesterday. A judge granted bail to Mr Chihana on Friday. He was held overnight but released yesterday, his lawyer, Bazuka Mhango, said.

The releases were another indication the regime of President Kamuzu Banda may be bending to Western pressure to improve its human rights conditions.