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The Zambia Police Service has arrested and formally charged Socialist Party leader, Dr. Fred M’membe, 65, with seditious practices.
It was alleged that on July 16, 2024, between 13:00 and 14:00 hours, M’membe published an article on his Twitter and Facebook pages titled “Tshisekedi tells DRC Catholic Bishops about the US$ 20 Million Payout to buy Zambia’s silence.”
Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, in a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, said M’membe’s offence contravenes Section 60(I)(C) as read with Section 60(I)(B) of the Penal Code Act, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
“The content of this article is alleged to have been intended to bring into hatred or contempt or to incite disaffection against the government as established by law,” Hamoonga stated.
M’membe had been detained in police custody and was expected to appear in court soon to answer the charges.
Hamoonga reminded the public that the law would be applied firmly and fairly to all individuals.
Read More: Socialist Party leader, M’membe, arrested for alleged cyber crime
He warned that any actions aimed at inciting hatred or disaffection against the government would be met with appropriate legal measures.
Earlier, Socialist Party Secretary-General, Dr. Cosmas Musumali, confirmed M’membe’s arrest, stating that the leader was looking forward to his court appearance.
“I wish to state that we are looking forward to having this matter taken to court so that Dr. M’membe can show how corrupt this government is and hope the case will not die a natural death like others in the past,” Musumali said.
He expressed hope for a transparent and open trial to highlight corruption issues, noting the government’s history of arrest.
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