Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye refused to attend the start of his treason trial on Monday, accusing the presiding judge of bias after months of detention that have intensified scrutiny of President Yoweri Museveni’s human rights record.
Besigye and his aide, Obed Lutale, boycotted proceedings when Judge Emmanuel Baguma declined to recuse himself, with their lawyers citing his earlier refusal to grant bail as evidence of partiality. Judiciary officials rejected the claims.
Besigye, Museveni’s former ally and personal physician, has lost four elections to the long-serving president, who is seeking re-election next year at age 80. The opposition leader and his aide were arrested in Kenya last November, deported to Uganda, and charged with treason and related offences. Both deny the charges.