Zambia's Supreme Court confirmed death sentences for...

Zambia's Supreme Court confirmed death sentences for 44 soldiers for their role in a failed 1997 military coup, but acquitted 10 others, citing a lack of evidence. The 54 mainly non-commissioned officers stood accused of attempting to overthrow the government of then president Frederick Chiluba because of his alleged plunder of state resources.
The death sentences were confirmed by five judges headed by Chief Justice Ernest Sakala.
"The sentences (the death penalty) passed on you are confirmed," Sakala said after reading a lengthy judgment. However, the 44 soldiers still have a chance to make a final appeal to President Levy Mwanawasa, who could use his powers of "prerogative of mercy" to pardon them.
The 10 soldiers who were acquitted were freed because there was no evidence linking them to the failed coup, apart from the fact that they were found in the company of renegade soldiers.
The Supreme Court found the two coup masterminds, Captain Steven Lungu, alias "Solo", and Captain Jack Chiti guilty on two counts of treason each.