59 Soldiers to Die for Failed 1997 Coup

A court convicted 59 soldiers of treason and sentenced them to death for their role in a failed military coup in 1997, Zambian state television reported. Judge Japhet Banda of the Lusaka High Court said death is mandatory for treason and ordered the soldiers hanged. He sentenced another defendant to 21 years of hard labor for knowing about the planned coup despite not taking part. Eight other soldiers were acquitted. Defense attorneys said they would appeal. On Oct. 28, 1997, junior military officers stormed the state broadcast center and announced a military takeover. Their attempt was quickly crushed by troops loyal to President Frederick Chiluba.