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The Golden Party of Zambia (GPZ) has criticised government’s proposal to repeal the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act of 2021, accusing it of attempting to suppress citizens’ freedom to criticize the government and discuss issues affecting the nation.
GPZ president, Jackson Silavwe, stated that the repeal, under the pretense of protecting private citizens’ digital information, is instead a move to curtail fundamental rights.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday, Silavwe emphasized that laws should align with Zambia’s status as a constitutional democracy.
“Rather than scheming to strip away fundamental rights and freedoms through statutory regulation of social media, we urge President Hakainde Hichilema to focus on addressing pressing national issues,” Silavwe said.
He also commented on government’s response to a report by United Nations rapporteurs, describing it as indicative of a regime entrenched in tyranny.
“Human rights violations and restrictions on fundamental freedoms have persisted since the UPND assumed office in August 2021,” Silavwe said.
Silavwe noted that the country had witnessed a reversal of values since the UPND took power, diverging from its previous opposition stance against arbitrary detentions of opposition leaders, human rights activists and threats against clergy critical of issues like high living costs and load shedding.
“We urge the church, civil society, the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), and traditional leaders to continue speaking out against these human rights abuses and resist being silenced,” Silavwe added.
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