Malawian police are to interrogate former President Bakili Muluzi for allegedly plotting a coup. He has rejected allegations that he connived with (sammensværgede sig med) security chiefs to overthrow President Bingu wa Mutharika earlier this month, BBC online reports Monday.
Mr Muluzi was placed under house arrest after returning from a trip to the UK at the weekend. His detention sparked protests in the capital, Lilongwe. Police fired on his supporters who had blocked roads.
President Mutharika has accused his predecessor of being behind a plot to remove him from office by 16 May. Mr Mutharika fell out with his predecessor after becoming president.
Eight people were arrested, including two security chiefs and three serving brigadiers. They have all since been released on bail, except former spy chief Chitsulo Gama.
Mr Muluzis United Democratic Front (UDF) party says the arrests are politically motivated. Last month, Mr Muluzi, who served two terms before stepping down in 2004, won a contest to be named the UDFs presidential candidate in next years polls.
It is not clear if he would be eligible to stand, as the constitution bans a president from more than two consecutive terms.
