A group of 32 defence lawyers representing Dr Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale in the military court have refused to proceed in the absence of their counterpart Eron Kiiza, who was swiftly sentenced to nine months in prison for contempt of court.
Defence lawyers led by Kenya’s former justice minister Martha Karua and Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago repeatedly emphasized that they would not carry on with the case minus Kiiza, saying he “had critical submissions.”
Court allowed defence lawyers a 15-minute break to consult their clients on the issue of legal presentation after which Karua said they “were unable to proceed with one of them missing.”
“We have been able to confirm with our clients. They would like to proceed with all lawyers present including Kiiza,” Karua told court chaired by Brig Freeman Mugabe.
Prosecution led by Col Raphael Mugisha objected the defence lawyers’ submissions, seeking a charge against Kiiza.
However, Lukwago asked court to first deal with one matter at ago- and to include the fate of Kiiza. Lukwago insisted that they wanted to know the offense Kiiza had committed leading to his swift detention.
Lukwago’s demands were followed by a 15-minute adjournment after which Brig Mugabe swiftly pronounced the military court’s decision against Kiiza.
Meanwhile, Brig Mugabe ruled that Besigye and Lutale will return to the court on January 13 for further mention.
