Chiluba Watched 24 Hours

Zambian authorities placed former president Frederick Chiluba under 24-hour surveillance yesterday, saying it was to stop him fleeing or being harmed by an angry public because of corruption allegations against him.

Mr Chiluba, accused by President Levy Mwanawasa of abuse of office, has been in court this week to prevent his prosecution as part of a major government anti-corruption campaign. Zambia's high court ruled on Wednesday that Mr Chiluba could not be prosecuted for alleged corruption until it had decided whether a decision by parliament to lift his immunity was legal.

"Chiluba has been placed under surveillance in order to safeguard public interest," home affairs deputy minister Kennedy Sakeni said. "It is a precaution to make sure that he stays indoors and is not harmed by anybody because the mood in the nation is against him. If Chiluba sneaks out, Zambians will not take that kindly," Mr Sakeni added.

Legal experts said the government had placed Mr Chiluba under virtual house arrest.