Zambian ex-president Chiluba shuns graft hearing

LUSAKA, Oct 30 (Reuters) Zambia's former president Frederick Chiluba ignored a summons to take part in a court session today to face charges he stole 2.2 million dollars from the state in a graft case he says is a political witch-hunt.

The Zambian authorities filed a civil case in London to recover 20.2 million dollars he and 19 former senior government officials are accused of siphoning through a London branch of state-owned Zambian National Commercial bank.

Chiluba is also facing a criminal case of alleged theft from the Treasury of 488,000 dollars since 2002 for which he could be jailed for up to five years.

Chiluba and his co-accused have denied the charges.

Chiluba said in a statement through his spokesman Emmanuel Mwamba that he did not recognise the authority of London judge, Peter Smith, who was appointed to hear the matter. He was due to hear evidence from investigators in London via video link.

''Dr. Chiluba will not submit himself to judge Peter Smith and his court (and he) will not respect any orders, directives and findings of such a court as he deems it illegal,'' Mwamba said in the statement.

Chiluba said it was irregular for the state to bring civil proceedings against him when the criminal matter related to the 488,000 dollars had not been completed.

A spokesman for Zambia's anti-corruption task force, Mpazi Sinyangwe, confirmed Chiluba's refusal to take part.

''The presiding judge will decide whether there are any sanctions,'' Sinyangwe said.

But he also said today's hearing had been postponed to allow time to install equipment needed for the video link.

Chiluba also served notice he would not appear before Smith, who is due to arrive in Zambia to hold a court hearing and gather evidence from witnesses on November 29.

President Levy Mwanawasa, Chiluba's handpicked successor, launched Zambia's widest anti-corruption fight since Zambia's independence from Britain in 1964, targeting mainly Chiluba and his former senior officials.

REUTERS PDM VC2116