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In addition to charges of seditious practices, the state has reportedly filed another charge of ‘Inciting Tribal War’ against Christian Democratic Party leader, Dr Dan Pule, and four others.
Those charged alongside Pule included Forum for Democracy and Development leader, Edith Nawakwi, Lumezi Independent Lawmaker, Munir Zulu, Mfuwe Member of Parliament, Maureen Mabonga, and Human Rights Activist Brebner Changala.
United Kwacha Alliance Chairperson for Communications, Jackson Silavwe, confirmed this in a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday.
“The five detainees are expected to appear in court today at 14:00 hrs. Media houses, UKA leaders, members, supporters, and democracy-loving Zambians are informed accordingly,” Silavwe advised.
In the same vein, Yotam Mtayachalo, the Chama North Patriotic Front (PF) lawmaker, stated that the selective application of the law was a recipe for discontent in the country.
Mtayachalo criticised the recent conduct of the Zambia Police Service, stating that their method of enforcing the law leaves much to be desired.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, Mtayachalo remarked, “One does not need to be a rocket scientist to see that the police continue to apply the law selectively.”
He cited the rapid arrests of opposition leaders and government critics on alleged charges of hate speech and seditious practices as evidence.
“It is astonishing that the police refuse to record complaints of hate speech against known United Party for National Development (UPND) officials while simultaneously dragging their feet to arrest ruling party cadres,” Mtayachalo said.
He also noted that some online media outlets aligned with the ruling party had been spreading malicious propaganda and hate speech, potentially undermining the peace and unity Zambia has enjoyed since independence.
The Chama North lawmaker stated that these individuals remain untouchable, likening the situation to an “animal farm” type of justice system.
“I’m aware that the police work under instructions from those in authority, but it is imperative that they exercise some level of professionalism and apply the law fairly, regardless of political affiliation,” Mtayachalo advised.
He warned that the wholesale arrests of opposition leaders and government critics could exacerbate the already highly charged political environment in the country as long as law enforcement agencies selectively apply the law.
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