BLOCKING OF OPPOSITION RALLIES RETROGRESSIVE AND UNACCEPTABLE-LAURA MITI
By Victoria Sakala
Alliance for Community Action Executive Director Laura Miti says the continued denying of opposition political parties their right to hold public rallies by the police is retrogressive and unacceptable.
The Zambia Police Service yesterday blocked opposition Socialist Party from holding a public rally at Changanamai Ground in Kitwe on the Copperbelt, citing security concerns.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Ms Miti says the action by the police is not only unacceptable but an abuse of the public order act and undermines the democratic principles enshrined in the constitution, which guarantees citizens and associations the right to assemble peacefully.
Ms Miti says in a democratic country like Zambia, the constitution allows citizens or associations to gather and the ongoing suppression of opposition rallies is a serious violation of citizens’ rights and a threat to democracy.
She is therefore calling on government to uphold the constitution and ensure that all political parties are given equal opportunities to engage with the public.
Inspector General of Police Graphael Musamba recently said his office cannot allow the opposition to hold public meetings as they would face attacks from ruling UPND cadres.
PHOENIX NEWS
Laura, don’t worry! Another ministerial position is being lined up for you . Princess Kasune is streets ahead of you.Just return to the choir!!!
Last year when SP wanted to hold a rally at the same venue, the IG of police Mr. Musamba, aborted the rally for the same worn out reason of security and promised that SP can have their rally in the first quarter of 2024.
We are in the second quarter of 2024 and the police are giving the same old lame excuse. The IG needs to be reminded of that. He is a danger to our democracy.
Well, holding rallies is one thing! However are the people asking hold rallies really after holing rallies to inform the public of their policies or they are still hell bent on exciting their agenda? These rallies should be suspended until all the cases of abduction and hate speech are resolved. We have leaders in opposition who don’t care about the safety of the public as long as they get achieve their polical motive.Stick to your lane. You will be the first one to blame the police and government for the tragedy waiting to happen. PM is criminal syndicate.