Patriots for Economic Progress to challenge cyber laws, alleges mass imprisonment if implemented

The opposition Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) has announced plans to challenge the recently enacted Cyber Crimes Bill, 2024, and Cyber Security Bill, 2024, arguing that they violate several provisions of the Zambian Constitution.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, PeP President, Sean Tembo, said the party would file a court petition once President Hakainde Hichilema assents to the two bills.

Tembo criticized the legislation, claiming it aims to suppress freedom of expression and criminalize social media use for individuals who express dissenting views against the government.

“If left unchallenged, we have no doubt that thousands of citizens, especially the youth, will end up in prison for no good reason within months of these retrogressive laws taking effect,” he warned.

He assured the public that PeP remained committed to defending citizens’ rights against what he termed an oppressive move by the UPND government.

Tembo further reminded President Hichilema that Zambians elected him to improve their living standards, not to suppress their voices.

“Indeed, the good citizens of this Republic deserve a better President, and they shall get a better President come next year,” he said.

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