Biti trial fails to take off after he asks prosecutor to recuse himself

The trial of Movement for Democratic Change deputy chairman Tendai Biti failed to take off today after he insisted that prosecutor Michael Reza must recuse himself because he is biased against him.

Biti is accused of unlawfully and unofficially announcing the results of the 30 July elections and is represented Beatrice Mtetwa, Jeremiah Bamu and Alec Muchadehama.

His lawyers told Harare magistrate Gloria Takundwa that Reza was not independent as required in terms of Section 260 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe because he acted in a partisan manner when he accused Biti of inciting violence that took place on 1 August.

At least six people were shot dead when the military intervened to quell the protest but the military are denying that they shot anyone.

Biti’s lawyers requested that the National Prosecuting Authority assign another prosecutor.

Reza argued that he had done nothing wrong and he remained impartial and fair in the discharge of his duties.

The ruling on Biti’s application will be handed down on Thursday, 15 November.

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