{"id":644350,"date":"2019-05-20T09:52:15","date_gmt":"2019-05-20T09:52:15","guid":{"rendered":"
\"[file]<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\"[file]
Agence France-Presse<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Former South African president Jacob Zuma is in court Monday, fighting to have corruption charges against him dismissed.<\/p>\n

The charges, stemming from a 1990s arms deal, were dropped a decade ago, shortly before Zuma became president.<\/p>\n

The reinstatement of the 16 charges in 2016, Zuma says, was politically motivated. The charges include fraud, racketeering, corruption and money laundering.<\/p>\n

The charges relate to kickbacks Zuma allegedly received in connection with a European arms deal undertaken by South Africa. A representative for the French arms dealer Thales SA is facing charges that are similar to Zuma\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Zuma was deputy president at the time of the deal.<\/p>\n

The former president and Thales have denied any wrongdoing and both are seeking a permanent stay of prosecution.<\/p>\n

The ruling African National Congress forced Zuma to step down from the presidency last year. His term in office was marred by scandals, allegations of corruption and an economic slowdown.<\/p>\n

\n
Get more stories like this on Twitter<\/a><\/i><\/div>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n