Parliament lifted Mr. Chiluba’s immunity from prosecution last week after Mr. Mwanawasa stunned legislators by accusing his predecessor of corruption and abuse of office.

President Levy Mwanawasa said he would stop any prosecution of former President Frederick Chiluba if he returned any assets taken from the country, government newspapers reported. Parliament lifted Mr. Chiluba’s immunity from prosecution last week after Mr. Mwanawasa stunned legislators by accusing his predecessor of corruption and abuse of office.

The Zambian High Court is expected to rule next week on whether the lifting of immunity was legal.

New York Times, July 23, 2002