Malema is fighting back against a party disciplinary hearing
In South Africa, the leader of the African National Congress party's youth wing is fighting back against a party disciplinary hearing. Julius Malema is trying to get the hearing stopped, claiming the proper procedures weren’t followed when he was charged.
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Julius Malema spent a second day in front of the ANC's national disciplinary committee.
He faces charges of sowing division by publicly opposing president Jacob Zuma and bringing the party into disrepute for advocating regime change in neighbouring Botswana.
His lawyers argue the matter should be dropped because of procedural errors by the ANC.
Malema faces suspension or expulsion from the party if found guilty. The committee will decide today how to proceed.
The party backtracked on plans to move yesterday’s hearings to a secret venue following riots on Monday by Malema’s supporters who threw bottles at police and journalists, burned the ANC flag and images of president Jacob Zuma.
If Malema is successful, it will be hugely embarrassing for Zuma and could spoil his chances of gaining a second term as president.
Police razor wire barricades outside ANC headquarters in downtown Johannesburg have come down after a peaceful second day of hearings.
The youth league has asked members to turn out in force on Friday when proceedings resume.
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