
Lusaka - Zambian opposition leader Chishimba Kambwili pleaded not guilty to charges of defamation against the country's president on Friday during an appearance at the Lusaka Magistrate's Court.
Kambwili, leader of the National Democratic Congress, was released on bail and a trial has been set for September 30.
Kambwili was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly defaming President Edgar Lungu. He is alleged to have made derogatory remarks about the president in a video clip that went viral on social media.
In the clip, he refers to "dogs from Chawama." The comment has been interpreted to refer to Lungu, who lived in Chawama and served as a member of parliament there.
Turning himself in for questioning on Wednesday, Kambwili told reporters he was not afraid of being arrested.