20100817
reuters

LUSAKA (Reuters) - Zambia's opposition criticised on Tuesday a court's refusal to allow the government to recover funds from ex-president Frederick Chiluba, describing the decision as a step back in its fight against corruption.

In 2007, a British judge ordered Chiluba to repay $58 million to compensate for money he was accused of stealing during his 1991-2001 stint in office.

On Friday, a Lusaka high court ruled that Zambian laws did not allow the enforcement of rulings made in London, causing an outcry from the main opposition Patriotic Front (PF) and anti-corruption groups.

"It is very shameful and scandalous that the same officials who filed the case to try and recover assets for the people of Zambia are now defending Chiluba," said Given Lubinda, a senior PF figure.

The 2007 ruling, hailed as a turning point in Africa's fight against corruption, was made in London, where Zambian officials filed a civil case to try and recover assets owned by Chiluba and his friends in Britain and other European countries.

The PF has accused President Rupiah Banda, a close Chiluba ally, of influencing the courts in a previous Chiluba acquittal. Banda has denied the accusation.

Chiluba's acquittal in a separate criminal case last year sparked protests after the chief prosecutor said he would not lodge an appeal as it was unlikely to succeed.

The charges against Chiluba were brought by late Zambia president Levy Mwanawasa, who died in 2008.