Dissident Sentenced To Prison, 6 Lashes

After a 19-month trial, a judge on Monday convicted a prominent dissident of attempted robbery and sentenced him to four years in prison and six lashes with a cane.

Koigi wa Wamwere was convicted in connection with what the government said was an attack on a police station in 1993. The London-based human rights group Amnesty International has said the charges were fabricated and the evidence was questionable.

Wamwere, a former member of parliament, says he is being persecuted for his political beliefs.