Sierra Leone opposition politician released

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (AP) — Authorities have released a prominent opposition politician in Sierra Leone who was accused of making statements that could undermine state security.

Charles Francis Margai had been detained after speaking about a land dispute he has with Sierra Leone's first lady. Margai said he would fight for his land and said he would be backed by militia forces loyal to him.

His lawyer, Robert Kowa, said Monday that Margai has been released on bail without charge though he must report to police every other day.

Margai was among the candidates who contested the presidential election in 2012 election and lost to incumbent President Ernest Bai Koroma. Margai's party does not hold a seat in parliament.

Sierra Leone is still recovering from a brutal 10-year civil war that ended in 2002.

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Malawi treason suspects released on bail

BLANTYRE, Malawi (AP) — A lawyer in Malawi says 11 top government officials and former Cabinet ministers who were charged with treason for an alleged coup plot have been released on bail.

Defense lawyer Kaleken Kaphale said Thursday that the suspects were released on bond of about $18,000 each and they also had to surrender travel documents. No date was set for the next court hearing in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi.

Prosecutors believe the suspects conspired after the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika to undermine his deputy, Joyce Banda, and prevent her from becoming president.

Banda, now president, had fallen out with Mutharika, who wanted his younger brother, Peter, to take over after his scheduled retirement in 2014. Peter Mutharika is among those charged with treason.

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