Lungu demands immediate release of Socialist Party leader, M’membe, citing legal violations

Former President Edgar Lungu has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Socialist Party (SP) leader, Dr. Fred M’membe, who has been charged with sedition.

Lungu stated that he anticipated a swift release of the opposition leader, given the bondable nature of the offense under Zambian law.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday, Lungu questioned why M’membe remained in detention, separated from his wife and children.

“I wonder why Dr. M’membe is still in detention when the offense he has been charged with is bondable. It is distressing to see him kept away from his family,” Lungu said.

He expressed concern that officers overseeing the case had reportedly “evaporated into thin air,” making it impossible for M’membe’s lawyers to secure bond on Friday afternoon.

“This is a gross abuse of due process and unacceptable in a democratic country like Zambia, which respects the rule of law,” Lungu stated.

He said that the continued detention of a citizen entitled to a police bond was a gross violation of fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution, which public servants, including the Republican President, swear to uphold.

“Keeping a citizen in detention when they are entitled to a police bond is a violation of their fundamental rights. Public servants, including the President, swear to uphold the constitution. This kind of behavior is a betrayal of that oath,” Lungu emphasized.

Lungu also warned that a time would come when police officers who abuse the law for punitive politics would be held accountable and regret their actions.

“A time will come when these officers who are abusing the law for political gain will be held accountable. They will regret their actions,” he warned.

The former President extended his concerns to others who he believes are facing similar injustices, urging prayers for their release.

“Let’s pray for Dr. M’membe and others such as Hon. Ronald Chitotela, Hon. Nickson Chilangwa, Madam Saboi Imboela, Hon. JJ Banda, and artist Jackson Chama, aka ‘Why Me,’ who has been in detention in Kalomo for five months now. My heart bleeds for these dear friends and citizens,” he said.

Lungu criticized what he described as the escalating political oppression, persecution, and police brutality under the New Dawn Government, likening the situation to being “offside” in football terms. He called for an end to such practices.

“This political oppression, persecution, and police brutality we are seeing under the New Dawn Government is unacceptable. It is offside in football terms, and it must end,” Lungu concluded.

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