PF’s Nakacinda released on bond after seditious charges levied by government

Police in Lusaka have granted bail to Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary-General, Raphael Nakacinda, after his lawyers filed a writ of habeas corpus at the Lusaka High Court.

Nakacinda was arrested by the Zambia Police for allegedly circulating content deemed seditious, contravening Section 57 (1)(b) and Section 60 (1)(b) of the Penal Code Act, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Police Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga, stated that Nakacinda, 46, was arrested on Tuesday in Lusaka for making seditious remarks during a press conference at an undisclosed location.

“This statement, which was subsequently circulated on various social media platforms, is believed to border on seditious practices,” Hamoonga said.

Following his release, Nakacinda addressed supporters and offered an apology to President Hakainde Hichilema for his earlier criticisms regarding the state of the economy and rising poverty levels.

“I want to apologise to President Hichilema for criticising him on tribalism, failure to govern and feeding people ‘chemically exposed mealie meal.’ However, I will continue criticising him and I will shift the secretariat to the Police Headquarters,” Nakacinda stated.

He also expressed gratitude to PF sympathizers who welcomed him upon his release from police custody.

Nakacinda’s arrest had sparked discussions on freedom of speech and the role of opposition parties in Zambia’s political landscape.

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