Malawi’s office of the director of public prosecutions (ODPP) is finalizing preparations for a case involving 12 high profile figures charged with treason, for them to appear in court soon.

The twelve Malawians, currently on bail, are accused of trying to block then Vice President Joyce Banda from ascending into presidency after the death of president Bingu wa Mutharika.

The suspects, include the late president’s brother Peter Mutharika, former cabinet ministers, Patricia Kaliati, Henry Mussa, Goodall Gondwe, Symon Vuwa Kaunda, DPP spokesperson Nicholus Dausi, and former senior government officials, Bright Msaka, and former Bingu’s legal advisor Allan Ntata, among other officials.

In an emailed response to a questionnaire, spokesperson in the Ministry of Justice Apoche Itimu said the prosecution team acknowledges the need to expedite its cases; therefore this case is not exceptional.

This comes as the US government is asking the Malawi government to ensure that the rule of law is exercised in this case.