The trial of media and human rights lawyer, Alec Muchadehama which was scheduled for 17 June 2009 failed to commence after the Attorney Generals office indicated that it could not continue with the proceedings presently. (Pictured: Alec Muchadehama)The Attorney Generals office through its prosecutor Andrew Kumire, communicated that it intended to join another unspecified person to the proceedings and therefore needed more time to gather the requisite evidence where after the trial proceedings would then resume upon notification to the accused.
Commenting on the new developments, Beatrice Mtetwa who was representing the Muchadehama said that this was an apt sign of abuse of the Attorney Generals prosecutorial powers for purposes of persecution. She further noted that Kumire was not even appraised as to the correct factual position of how the case actually transpired.
Background
Muchadehama is being charged under section 184 of the Criminal Evidence and Procedure Act for obstructing the course of justice. The charges arise from allegations that Muchadehama connived with Justice Bhunus clerk in facilitating the release on bail of freelance photojournalist, Shadreck Andrison Manyere from Chikurubi Maximum Prison and Movement for Democratic Change activists Kisimusi Dhlamini and Gandhi Mudzingwa who were under hospital detention at the Avenues Clinic.