By Raphael Tenthani Blantyre reporter

Sudi Adak Sulaimana, who was cleared of treason charges in March, is suing the Malawi Government for wrongful detention.

The trial and the surrounding publicity made my clients look like dangerous criminals

Fabiano Mzumara, lawyer

Mr Sulaimana and three other suspects were arrested last year for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government of President Bakili Muluzi.

But Malawi's top state prosecutor, Director of Prosecutions Fahad Assani, dropped the charges against the alleged coup leaders saying they were not serious but only wanted to make an impression.

However, Mr Sulaimana is not taking it lying down.

Damages

Lawyer Fabiano Mzumara told BBC News Online that Mr Sulaimana was suing for false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, defamation and loss of earnings.

The suspects spent a year in jail

He was also asking for $80,000 in damages.

The second accused, former security guard Colvin Kaumira, is also suing for about $53,000 for similar reasons.

"The trial and the publicity surrounding the case made my clients look like dangerous criminals in the eyes of the public," Mr Mzumara said.

Mr Mzumara also said that prior to his arrest Mr Sulaimana was earning the equivalent of $450 a week in the United Kingdom, where he was studying political economics.

Forced retirement

While the ordeal of Mr Sulaimana and Mr Kaumira may have a happy ending, their military co-accused are unlikely to get any compensation.

According to Malawi army spokesman Clement Namangale, the two soldiers were forced to retire from service following their year-long trial.

"When a member of the rank-and-file has been tried for a dangerous offence like treason, they are supposed to be retired despite their being cleared," he told BBC News Online.

Col. Namangale said the soldiers - Moses Bwanali and Nelson Phyontha - have left the army and returned to their villages.