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Uganda charges leading lawyer for LGBT rights with money laundering
Source: The Guardian
Uganda charges leading lawyer for LGBT rights with money laundering
Human rights organisation says allegations that Nicholas Opiyo withdrew over $300,000 in funds are ‘frivolous’ and ‘fabricated’
Samuel Okiror in Kampala
Thu 24 Dec 2020 15.18 GMT
Nicholas Opiyo, one of Uganda’s most prominent human rights lawyers, has been charged with money laundering.
Opiyo, known for representing LGBTQ+ people, appeared before magistrates in Kampala on Thursday and was remanded in custody until 28 December.
The case has been forwarded to the anti-corruption court.
It’s alleged that Opiyo, executive director of rights group Chapter Four Uganda, withdrew $340,000 (£252,000) from the organisation’s account on 8 October, “knowing at the time of receipt that the said funds were proceeds of crime”.
-snip-
In a statement, the Chapter Four Uganda board said: “It is our firm belief that these are frivolous and fabricated charges and (it’s) further demonstration of closing civic space in Uganda. His lawyers are ready to defend him in court.”
-snip-
Human rights organisation says allegations that Nicholas Opiyo withdrew over $300,000 in funds are ‘frivolous’ and ‘fabricated’
Samuel Okiror in Kampala
Thu 24 Dec 2020 15.18 GMT
Nicholas Opiyo, one of Uganda’s most prominent human rights lawyers, has been charged with money laundering.
Opiyo, known for representing LGBTQ+ people, appeared before magistrates in Kampala on Thursday and was remanded in custody until 28 December.
The case has been forwarded to the anti-corruption court.
It’s alleged that Opiyo, executive director of rights group Chapter Four Uganda, withdrew $340,000 (£252,000) from the organisation’s account on 8 October, “knowing at the time of receipt that the said funds were proceeds of crime”.
-snip-
In a statement, the Chapter Four Uganda board said: “It is our firm belief that these are frivolous and fabricated charges and (it’s) further demonstration of closing civic space in Uganda. His lawyers are ready to defend him in court.”
-snip-
Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/dec/24/uganda-charges-leading-lawyer-for-lgbt-rights-with-money-laundering-nicholas-opiyo