Ugandan opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye, who is currently facing treason charges, has refused to take part in the start of his trial, accusing the court of bias.
His lawyer, Eron Kiiza, said Besigye and his aide, Obed Lutale, chose not to attend after Justice Emmanuel Baguma rejected a request to remove himself from the case.
The defense insists the judge cannot deliver a fair and impartial ruling as required by Uganda’s constitution.
The trial, already delayed for months, was scheduled to begin on Monday.
Besigye’s detention has intensified scrutiny on President Yoweri Museveni’s human rights record, coming just months before elections in which the long time leader seeks another term in office.
The opposition leader and his aide were abducted in Kenya last year and reappeared days later in Uganda, sparking outrage among supporters.
