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The presidency has denied allegations that President Hakainde Hichilema was responsible for the arrest and detention of opposition leaders in the country.
State House Chief Communications Specialist, Clayson Hamasaka, said no opposition leader had been arrested based on their societal positions, and that the President had nothing to do with citizens engaging in unlawful activities.
Hamasaka was responding to opposition political parties claim accusing the Head of State on Thursday of being responsible for their continued arrest and detention.
“Despite the global economic challenges, the President is diligently working to revive the economy and restore the rule of law, notwithstanding a heightened malicious campaign against his efforts,” he stated.
Hamasaka noted that malice against the President was something his opponents had employed all his political life but that he was unequivocal in ensuring that the rule law was respected in the country.
He emphasized that accusations of arresting, opposition leaders were therefore, unfounded and ill conceived.
“No one has been arrested solely for being an opposition leader or hailing from certain regions; however, some citizens have been detained on suspicion of criminal offenses,” Hamasaka said.
He added that being an opposition leader did not grant immunity to lawlessness and this would not be accepted, now or in future.
Hamasaka noted that it was crucial to clarify that no individual in Zambia would be shielded from the law based on their political affiliation.
“The law will be applied impartially, fairly, and resolutely. State institutions will act within legal boundaries to prevent the country from descending into lawlessness and complete anarchy,” he said.
Hamasaka observed that political parties are very important for a thriving democracy, but citizens would not allow that they be formed for criminal activities.
He noted that everyone on Zambian soil, regardless of political affiliation or regional background, was subject to due process, if suspected of violating the country’s laws.
“We trust our Police Service to make arrests based on suspected lawbreaking, adhering to the rule of law. We appeal to all Zambians and stakeholders to condemn criminal activities hiding behind opposition politics,” Hamasaka said.
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