Ex-lawmaker sues over lengthy incarceration

Former National Assembly member Geoffrey Mwilima, who is serving an 18-year prison term for treason, is suing the prison authorities in a bid to be released on medical grounds. In a case now pending in the Windhoek High Court, Mwilima is suing the commissioner general of the Correctional Services, the Safety and Security Ministry, the Windhoek Correctional Facility’s medical officer, and the officer-in-command of the prison in an attempt to compel them to consider releasing him. Mwilima was arrested on 4 August 1999 – two days after surprise attacks by separatists on government-linked targets at Katima Mulilo and was convicted following the Caprivi treason trial. The Namibian reports that three doctors who have been treating him have recommended that he should be released on medical grounds.